Kentucky Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program, CPR in Schools, and CARES top the list of policy priorities for Kentucky Legislative Session
FRANKFORT, Ky., February 27, 2026 — As the 2026 Kentucky Session continues its work this week, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, worked with volunteer advocates from across the state to announce its policy agenda for the current legislative session, focusing on key initiatives essential to improving the health and well-being of all Kentuckians
The Heart Association intends to continue to focus on key initiatives that aim to help Kentuckians live longer, strong lives. Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in Kentucky. More than 14,000 Kentuckians die each year from cardiovascular conditions, rural and Appalachian communities are hit especially hard. These deaths are largely preventable — if we invest in the right systems.
“Kentucky loses more people to heart disease and stroke than almost any other state, but we also have the tools to change that” says American Heart Association State Government Relations Director, Jon Dye. “By investing in prevention through the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, protecting kids through CPR in Schools, and building a statewide CARES system to strengthen emergency response, lawmakers can save lives, reduce health care costs, and create healthier communities across the Commonwealth. These are smart, data-driven investments that will pay dividends for decades.”
The Association will advocate for the following policies:
- Kentucky Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program (KHDSP): Heart disease and stroke are two of Kentucky's top killers and health care cost drivers. With funding, we can tackle major risk factors, like high blood pressure and smoking, helping Kentuckians live longer, healthier lives.
- CPR in Schools: Kentucky law requires public schools to teach CPR and AED awareness before graduation. Funding will help ensure schools succeed in this life-saving effort, equipping students to provide critical help during cardiac emergencies until EMS arrives, creating communities filled with lifesavers.
- Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES): This database tracks out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to find better ways to improve care and boost survival rates. Funding for CARES helps gather the information communities need to respond faster and save more lives.
The American Heart Association urges Kentucky lawmakers to prioritize these essential policies to improve the health of all Kentuckians. Together, we can work to reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease, expand access to life-saving healthcare, and promote healthier communities across the state. In addition, Association advocates will be at the State Capitol on Feb. 18 to visit with legislators about these key issues.
To support the Association’s work in Kentucky, join the American Heart Association’s HeartPowered network by texting KY to 46839. Members will receive regular updates about these bills and opportunities to engage with elected officials in support of these initiatives.
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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 one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Meredith Adkins, Meredith.Adkins@heart.org / 859-421-8400
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
