PIERRE, S.D., February 12, 2026 —Volunteers and advocates from across South Dakota gathered at the State Capitol on Feb. 11 for HeartPowered Day at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to support policies that protect young people and improve cardiovascular health statewide. The event highlighted three key legislative priorities focused on preventing cardiac emergencies in schools, reducing youth nicotine use and ensuring students have access to healthy meals at school.

Advocates met with legislators to discuss the importance of adopting Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in all South Dakota public schools. As a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the National Football League, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is advocating for evidence‑based policies that can prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest. CERPs ensure schools are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when cardiac emergencies occur.

Participants also called on lawmakers to support legislation establishing commercial tobacco retail licensure, a policy designed to reduce youth access to nicotine products and hold retailers accountable. The proposal would require retailers to obtain a license to sell commercial tobacco and nicotine products, including e‑cigarettes, oral nicotine pouches, cigarettes, cigars and dip. Advocates emphasized that retail licensure is a proven tool to curb youth nicotine use and protect long‑term heart health.

In addition, advocates voiced support for legislation that would allow more students to qualify for free healthy school meals, recognizing nutrition as a critical component of student success and overall health. Supporters noted that school meals are as essential as textbooks, transportation and technology in helping students be well‑fed and ready to learn.

“Our message to legislators today was simple: when we care for our youth, we care for the future of South Dakota,” said Tony Burke, government relations director for the American Heart Association in South Dakota. “Whether it’s preparing schools to respond to cardiac emergencies, protecting youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction, or making sure students have access to healthy meals, all three of these policies are about caring for young people and building healthier hearts for everyone in our state.”

The event brought together heart disease survivors, patients, commercial tobacco control advocates and representatives from numerous partner organizations, including the National Football League, South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, South Dakota Association of Physician Assistants, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco‑Free Kids, South Dakota Public Health Association and the Adam L. Thompson Foundation.

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For Media Inquiries:
Chrissy Meyer: chrissy.meyer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org