The mission of the American Heart Association is: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association supports and advocates for public policies that will help reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. The following are the public policy priorities for West Virginia in 2009-2010.
♥ Tobacco Control
Designation of Primary Stroke Centers: We will embark on a campaign this year to recognize primary stroke centers designated so by The Joint Commission as a first step to building stronger stroke systems of care throughout the state. These efforts will be in conjunction with the state stroke task force.
♥ Quality and Availability of Care
Promote Broader Access to Health Coverage: Through coalition efforts, support policies that extend health coverage to all citizens of West Virginia and monitor all proposed health care reform initiatives and advocate, when appropriate, for measures which:
This is the beginning of a new series on our legislative work. First, we will share the legislative agendas of each state. In a few months, we will share a legislative update to inform advocates of where we stand on our set agenda. Finally, we will have a wrap-up post at the end of legislative session to share our final results.
The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association supports and advocates for public policies that will help reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. The following are the public policy priorities for West Virginia in 2009-2010.
♥ Tobacco Control
- Strengthen and Protect Smoke-Free Workplace Laws
All 55 West Virginia counties are protected by smoke-free board of health regulations at some level. In recent years, many counties have strengthened their regulations, including Kanawha County (Charleston) effective 7/1/08. AHA will continue to work with coalition partners to strengthen local regulations, while also working at the state level to guard against statewide preemption and to look for opportunities to pass a strong statewide smoke-free law. - Increase Tobacco Excise Taxes
West Virginia’s cigarette tax is currently 55 cents per pack. AHA has lead coalition efforts in recent years to significantly increase the cigarette tax and will continue that campaign, particularly in light of state budget deficits.
- Support Tobacco Control Prevention and Treatment Programs
Attempts have been made in recent years to reduce the funds spent on tobacco prevention and cessation programs. AHA will continue to work with coalition partners to protect that funding and seek to earmark a portion of any cigarette tax increase for additional prevention efforts.
Designation of Primary Stroke Centers: We will embark on a campaign this year to recognize primary stroke centers designated so by The Joint Commission as a first step to building stronger stroke systems of care throughout the state. These efforts will be in conjunction with the state stroke task force.
♥ Quality and Availability of Care
Promote Broader Access to Health Coverage: Through coalition efforts, support policies that extend health coverage to all citizens of West Virginia and monitor all proposed health care reform initiatives and advocate, when appropriate, for measures which:
- Adhere to AHA clinical guidelines and treatment protocols.
- Establish or expand quality improvement initiatives.
- Make preventative health benefits available and affordable.
- Remove barriers to health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
This is the beginning of a new series on our legislative work. First, we will share the legislative agendas of each state. In a few months, we will share a legislative update to inform advocates of where we stand on our set agenda. Finally, we will have a wrap-up post at the end of legislative session to share our final results.
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