Friday, March 2, 2012

AHA volunteers from Arkansas demonstrate their passion at the White House
















The American Heart Association’s advocacy volunteers are called You’re the Cure advocates for a reason. On February 24th, 70 outstanding volunteers brought their passion, stories, and expertise to the White House for the Community Leaders Briefing on Cardiovascular Health. Two volunteers Suzy Fehlig from Rogers and Wonder Lowe of Little Rock attended the event representing Arkansas and the SouthWest Affiliate.

This special event was an important opportunity for high level administration officials to hear from heart disease and stroke patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and community health leaders and discuss the role of public policy in building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The most powerful part of the day was the town hall meeting with John Carson, White House Director of Public Engagement, as advocates spoke-up to share their stories, such as:
Wonder Lowe, a congestive heart failure survivor from Central Arkansas has been active all across the state with her message on heart disease and stroke issues. Lowe is a Central Arkansas American Heart Association Board Member, a current member and past chair of the State Advocacy Committee and currently co-chair of the Health Equity committee and served as chair in past years. She is a member of the Go Red for Women Luncheon Committee and has a Heart Walk Team for the Central Arkansas Walk.

Suzy Fehlig, has a family history of heart disease and is committed to the mission of the Association. Suzy was co-chair of the NW Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon which had the largest Circle of Red members in the Nation with 64 members. She and her husband Chuck were Heart Ball Chairs for the Gala event in NW Arkansas and she was on the Sweetheart selection committee.
Other event highlights included:
• An East Wing tour of the White House.• Listening sessions on the Million Hearts Initiative, the Affordable Care Act, National Institutes of Health research, and efforts to reduce health disparities. • Roundtable discussions on clean air policy, childhood obesity and nutrition policy, and tobacco control policy.• A “tweet-up” with advocates and John Carson.
The commitment of our volunteers shined throughout the event as they asked the tough questions and spoke about their local advocacy work. The American Heart Association looks forward to a continued dialogue with the administration as we work to advance heart-healthy and stroke-smart legislation and regulations.
See additional event photos on Facebook.

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