More than 80 advocates gathered in the statehouse in Columbus for Ohio Lobby Day on March 14, delivering messages about three key issues in the Buckeye State. Advocates met for a morning training session and then dispersed to legislative meetings to discuss health education standards (Ohio is only one of two states without standards), tobacco prevention funding (Ohio is ranked 50th since the legislature stripped all funding a couple of years ago) and stroke systems of care.

The timing couldn’t have been better on the stroke issue, as the House Committee on Health & Aging took proponent testimony that morning on HB 427 which would recognize Primary Stroke Centers in the state, establish a framework for a stroke registry, and strengthen stroke systems of care through better coordination between EMS and hospitals. Testifying for AHA were Dr. Irene Katzan from Cleveland, Dr. Michael Torbey from Columbus, and survivor Jim Bischoff.

Congratulations to ALL of our fantastic Ohio advocates for another successful Advocacy Day!