President Obama signs Heart Month Proclamation

Every year since 1964, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation designating the month of February American Heart Month. And on February 6th, President Obama upheld the tradition by officially recognizing the month with the signing of a Presidential proclamation.

" NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2009, as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day February 6, 2009. I also invite the Governors of the states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease," the proclamation stated.

Congress joined the President in recognizing American Heart Month. Representative Chris Lee (R-NY), introduced a Congressional resolution in support of the month, which was passed by the House of Representatives on February 13th.

Stimulating America's Health

There is great news about the stimulus package coming out of Congress. It includes $10 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health, money that will support research that could lead to cures for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It also contains other provisions important to the American Heart Association including those that will promote health information technology, support prevention programs, extend health insurance for the unemployed, address health disparities and allow for the renovation of school facilities to help address our nation’s childhood obesity epidemic.

You’re the Cure advocates played a vital role in passing this important legislation by sending emails and calling their lawmakers throughout the legislative process. Thanks to you, we are one step closer to our mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke!

But, this is just the beginning of what we can accomplish through advocacy. The American Heart Association is working to achieve meaningful healthcare reform to address barriers to insurance and quality healthcare for heart and stroke patients. Learn more about our efforts and get involved at http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/.

Congress Has HEART

What better way for Congress to honor American Heart Month than reintroduce critical cardiovascular disease legislation?

Today, the HEART for Women Act was reintroduced in the 111th Congress, taking the first step in the legislative process. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), would improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke for women, and help millions live longer, healthier lives.

This crucial legislation has enjoyed wide, bi-partisan support, even passing the House of Representatives at the end of the 110th Congress. Now, it will use that momentum to try to move through the House and the Senate during this new session.

The HEART for Women Act currently has 100 cosponsors, but we need your help to get back to (and surpass!) the 281 cosponsors who had “signed on” to the bill in the 110th Congress. Urge your Members of Congress to support the HEART for Women Act today!



You can also check out the American Heart Association's statement on reintroduction in our newsroom.

President Obama Signs Children's Health Bill

Last night at the White House, President Obama put his signature on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SCHIP), signing it into law! Passage of this bill extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children, in addition to the 7 million children already enrolled in the program.

The bill arrived on the President's desk quickly after a 290-135 vote in the House yesterday.

This is an exciting victory for health advocates across the country!

Click here to read the statement on the SCHIP passage by American Heart Association President Timothy Gardner, M.D.

Senate Approves Children's Health Insurance

Great News! The United States Senate last night successfully passed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthoriazation bill by a vote of 66-32, bringing us another step closer to ensuring that nearly 11 million children from low-income families will have access to healthcare coverage. You're the Cure advocates played an important role by sending messages to their Senators.

Now, the House or Representatives is expected to take up and pass the Senate version of the bill next week. It could be signed into law byPresident Obama before the end of next week!

Did you know heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States, and stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in children? If signed by the President, SCHIP would ensure that more children from low-income families who are born with these conditions are not denied the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives simply because their parents cannot afford health insurance. SCHIP also includes a state option to cover targeted low-income pregnant women through the program, as a way to provide the essential prenatal care that can help reduce birth defects.

Passage of SCHIP is a major victory for us all! Congratulations!

Check out what the American Heart Association's new CEO, Nancy Brown, said about this issue.
See her response here.

Entire Hawaii Delegation Says "YES!" to FIT Kids

With the recent addition of Senator Akaka (D-HI) to the list of FIT Kids co-sponsors for the 110th Congress, Hawaii becomes the first state to have 100% support for the bill from their delegation! You're the Cure advocates in Hawaii can be proud that those who represent them on Capitol Hill have made the health our our kids a priority.

Visit http://www.fitkidsact.org/ to urge the legislators from your state to show their support too!

We Won!!

You’re the Cure on the Hill 2008 Named Nonprofit Advocacy Campaign of the Year!

At an awards ceremony Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, You’re the Cure on the Hill 2008 won the prestigious PRNews Nonprofit Award for the best Advocacy Campaign of the year! The award recognized the American Heart Association among a distinguished circle of organizations and you and the other outstanding advocates who came to Capitol Hill in April deserve all the credit.

PRNews recognized AHA for several noteworthy accomplishments including outstanding media coverage as well as mobilizing hundreds of advocates from across the country to generate an outpouring of support for the FIT Kids Act and increased funding for heart disease and stroke research and prevention programs. It was the presence, stories, and passion of our advocates that made You’re the Cure on the Hill something special- and we are so thrilled to have their hard work honored in this way!

Congratulations and Thank You!