Let’s Burn up The Phone Lines

Dear Friend:

This fall we'll need your help to urge lawmakers to support the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act as it moves ahead. Just this summer the bill passed a Senate subcommittee and now its time to encourage the rest of Congress to do the same. If you want to make stop big tobacco’s deceitful marketing tactics you'll need to do more than click a button—pick up the phone and make a call.

Congress is now back from a summer break and has their work cut out for them. It's important they hear from You’re the Cure advocates like you about the need to consider this bill before its too late. Each day 1,500 new youth smokers start and find themselves at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. And despite alarming statistics like this tobacco remains unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Your lawmaker is part of a key committee which will hear the bill first and we need your help to get their support.  It’s not too late to add more co–sponsors to this important bill.  Simply call the You’re the Cure toll free hotline and you’ll be connected to your appropriate lawmaker(s).  Dial 1–877–854–HEART and listen to a brief message with more information – simply enter your zip code and follow the directions to be connected to your lawmaker.   Use the talking points below and let us know how your call went by sending a quick note to advocacydc@heart.org.

Thanks for all your hard work this year and stay tuned for more news and opportunities to take action.

Sincerely,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association
Director of Grassroots Advocacy

Talking Points

• My name is _____ and I live (city, state). I'd like to speak to the person who handles your health issues.
• I am calling to urge my Member of Congress to cosponsor the Family Smoking and Prevention Act (S. 625/H.R. 1108).
• This legislation gives the Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products. Even though 150,000 Americans die each year from cardiovascular diseases caused by smoking, cigarettes are some of the least regulated consumer products on the market.

For more facts and information click here to learn more.