Take Legislative Action

3a_main_image.jpg

You don't have to be a high-power lobbyist to call on Congress. Just someone who knows that the action we take today for the women close to our hearts will lead to a healthier tomorrow.

Go Red Needs Your Help

Nearly 200,000 You're the Cure advocates across the country have been calling on their local, state, and federal lawmakers to address the issue of heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease and their voices are being heard! You can join them in ensuring the nation’s No. 1 killer is made a priority by the decision makers of our country. Remember - your legislators work for you!

 

Get Involved

Being a You're the Cure advocate is simple! You can make a difference by:

  • Responding to You’re the Cure Action Alerts by sending an email or making a phone call to your lawmakers asking for their support of a bill
  • Sharing your story with legislators and others to help bring the facts to life
  • Stopping by your lawmaker’s local office to deliver information about an issue
  • Attending a town hall meeting in your area
  • Writing a letter to the editor of your local paper
  • Getting friends and family involved

Visit the You're the Cure website today for more information on how you can take action for the women close to your heart.

 

Advocating for Women's Heart Health

Right now, advocates across the country are working to advance public policy on a number of issues which will improve the cardiovascular health of all women. You can help by learning about the issues the American Heart Association advocates for and taking action on the ones that matter most to you and your loved ones.

Join us in supporting:

  • The HEART for Women Act: Support the HEART for Women Act, legislation before Congress to improve screening and treatment of heart disease in women. Nearly 30,000 messages have been sent to Capitol Hill in support of this bill and we must keep the pressure on until it is passed. Visit www.heartforwomen.org to take action today! 
  • Women's Health Insurance Fairness Act:  Heart disease is the leading killer of American women, and one in three women in the United States suffers from heart disease, stroke or some other form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Unfortunately, however, some health insurance companies are unfairly preventing women from accessing the health coverage they need by charging women higher premiums than men. The Women’s Health Insurance Fairness Act would prevent individual insurance plans from charging women higher premiums than men because of their gender. Send your message today! 

How Are the Women in My State Affected?

Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill more American women each year than the next five leading causes of death combined. To learn more about the impact cardiovascular diseases are having on women in your state, please see our state fact sheets.

 

Survivor Story

advocacy_clip_image002.jpg

Miss Massachusetts 2006 Michaela Gagne has held many titles, but survivor is the one she holds closest to her heart. As a high school senior, Michaela was diagnosed with a life–threatening heart condition that claims the lives of many young people each year. As a result of her diagnosis, she had an internal cardiac defibrillator implanted to help her lead a heart–healthy life. Now, she is proudly wearing her red dress and sharing her personal story to help affect policy change. Last year, Michaela traveled to Washington, DC, with hundreds of fellow You're the Cure advocates, to meet with her legislators to ask for their support of the HEART for Women Act.

Check out Michaela's YouTube video about her visit to Capitol Hill!