American Heart Association celebrates successful Lobby Day at the Michigan Capitol with volunteers, advocates and survivors
On May 6, 2025, the American Heart Association hosted the annual Lobby Day at the Capitol in Lansing, Mich. The event brought together legislators, representatives from both the upper and lower peninsula, volunteers, advocates and survivors from across the state. The primary goals were to advocate for crucial cardiovascular health policies, including funding for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP), as well as the continued funding for Healthy School Meals for All. This collaborative effort emphasized the importance of enhancing cardiovascular care and need for nutritious meals for K-12 students across Michigan.
Throughout the day volunteers of the American Heart Association engaged with approximately 30 legislators and state staff in meaningful discussions on key cardiovascular health initiatives. Legislators responded positively, with many expressing support and commitment to the funding of either one or both key talking points of the day.
A focal point of the day was sharing the inspirational stories of the survivors. One young girl from Allen Park, Michigan walked into the Capitol building with shaky hands, but ready to share her experience less than two months after she suffered sudden cardiac arrest at track practice. Alyssa Atkinson, and her mom Kelly, recounted that day when her coaches stepped in to perform Hands-Only CPR and eventually used an AED to get her heart beating again.
Detroit native, Norman Clements, joined the survivors as an advocate for CERP funding. He is a father, coach and active community member who encouraged legislators to appropriate six million dollars to CERP implementation next year in hopes of increasing the number of survivors of out of hospital cardiac arrests which is currently one and 10 people.
“(One out of 10 people) it sticks out to me because we have kids that do after school programming and sports, and adults who work out at the track. Instead of waiting for something to happen, we need to act now with this funding,” said Clements.
Overall, the 2025 American Heart Association Lobby Day at the Capitol was an overwhelming success. It demonstrated the power of collaboration and using the voice of survivors and volunteers in changing the future of heart health by advocating for policies that create healthier, happy Michiganders.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, AHA funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health policies, and provides critical resources to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stroke risks. Learn more at heart.org and connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
