National Institutes of Health Fly-In

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Pictured Congressman Vic Snyder, Nicole, Karson, Kevin and Kannon Weitkamp and Dr. James Marsh

Heart and Stroke Survivors Urge Congress to Capitalize on Momentum of Stimulus Bill and Increase Funding for Medical Research
March 10, 2010– A strong investment in heart disease and stroke research is a strong investment for families and the economy. American Heart Association patient advocates and researchers delivered that message to members of Congress during the association’s You’re the Cure on the Hill Fly-In on Wednesday, March 10.

Many heart disease and stroke survivors have benefited from advancements in medical research that continues to bring us closer to a cure. UAMS Chief of Staff, James Marsh, M.D. and Nicole Weitkamp and her son Karson, his brother Kannon and father Kevin from Pocahontas, Arkansas joined some 90 American Heart Association volunteers for the Lobby Day activities. Karson is a congenital heart defect survivor.

Dr. Marsh joined Nicole and Karson, and meet with Congressmen Vic Snyder and Senators Lincoln and Pryor to urge them to appropriate $35 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for FY 2011 to capitalize on the momentum achieved under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Act provided a $10 billion investment to the agency over two years.

“NIH-supported research has led to significant breakthroughs in the treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke. Robust funding increases for the NIH budget in the appropriations bill will help us advance to the next wave of scientific discoveries. Many of these dollars comes back to our own University of Arkansas for Medical Science “, stated Barbara Kumpe, Arkansas Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Currently, NIH invests only four percent of its budget on heart research and a mere one percent on stroke research. The President’s FY 2011 budget request for NIH cardiovascular research is ten percent below the FY 2010 level, including the Recovery Act funding and 12 percent below the FY 2009 level.

NIH supported research also fosters economic growth and innovation at the state and local levels and worldwide. Each NIH grant generates on average seven jobs. “Medical research has a profound impact on local communities, contributing to job growth and economic development,” said [insert name of researcher].

For more information, visit www.researchsaveslives.org.

Weitkamp Family enjoys Washington DC during National Lobby Day

Governor Signs Bill to Fund Autmated External Defibrillators for Schools in Arkansas

Governor Mike Beebe signed into law HB 1174 that was the bill to fund automated external defibrillators for schools in Arkansas. The bill is now Act 270. The bill provides $200,000 dollars appropriated to the Department of Health to work to secure the defibrillators so schools can acquire them for their specific schools Districts.

Over the last two months there have been at least three incidences where students have gone down at sporting events with some form of sudden cardiac arrest. Two of the students are alive today because of these life saving devices. Unfortunalty one student did not make it. Our heart are with the students family.

We are so proud and thankful to our Governor and state law makers for making this a priority during this first fiscal session of the State General Assembly.
Send your law maker a thank you message TODAY. Go to www.yourethecure.org register as newtorker and you can send them a message with just a click of your computer.

This is a lifesaving day in Arkansas.

Arkansas Legislature Recesses

The Arkansas Legislature held it's first fiscal session, which began on February 8th. They recessed in record time and will return on March 4th to handle any vetoes or clarical errors that might have occoured.

The American Heart Association's efforts to secure funding for automated exteranl defibrillators was successful. The Joint Budget Committee approved an amendment by Representative Everett to fund the AEDs to the tune of $200,000. The bill passed both the House and Senate and will now go to the Governors desk for his signature.

Please let legislators know you support this effort by sending them a message. Go to www.yourethecure.org and register as a You're the Crue member and find the message to your member of the House and Senate regarding the defibrillators for schools in Arkansas.

They need to hear from you, TODAY.

Free Heart Health Message

Think about two people you love who smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, diabetes or family history of heart disease. These risk factors may lead to stroke. Now, take 2 minutes to save 2 lives by sending your 2 loved ones special health messages via text, Twitter or other format. Download free health messages and get more information by visiting http://powertoendstroke.org/take2.

Students support National Wear Red Day

Students at Ellen Smith Elementary Conway Arkansas




Students in Jeanne Ortiz's Kindergarten classroom at Ellen Smith Elementary in Conway participated in National Wear Red Day activities. Students all across the state were asked to wear RED on this National day of recognition to support heart disease and stroke awareness.



In Arkansas, students were also in support of Automated External Defibrillators for all school and trained school personnel in CPR on every campus. Over 7,000 students signed petitions and completed coloring sheets to show their support. The Americn Heart Association anticipates over 10,000 coloring sheets and petition signatures will be collected by the end of February, National American Heart Month.



Kindergarten Student Shows support for National Wear Red Day - Ellen Smith Elemntary

Arkansas Celebrates National Wear RED Day

On Friday, February 5th, 2010, volunteers, supporters and local citizens wore RED on Wear Red Day. Wear Red Day is a national movement to encourage people to wear red in support of the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.

Events were held across the Capitol city. Below is a picture montage of all the various activities.



Little Rock City Hall Prepares for Wear Red Day











Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodla Proclaims Friday February 5th as National Wear Red Day in Little Rock










Congressman Vic Snyder and Family Participate in National Wear Red Day at Arkansas State Capitol















First Lady Ginger Beebe Supports National Wear Red Day
















Capitol Rotunda Goes REd for National Wear Red Day















Young Survivor his sister and Mother Dinah Sullivan support National Wear Red Day

Start American Heart Month off with new life resolution !

The American Heart Association’s My Life Check tool empowers you to take a big step toward a healthier life. In just a few minutes, you can get your personal heart score and a custom plan with the 7 simple steps you need to start living your best life.

LINK TO: www.heart.org/mylifecheck