Happy Holiday's

As our valued Volunteers and Sponsors, we want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your partnership and support. The opportunity to work with you is truly a privilege. We want to remind you that we will be closed for the holidays beginning with the afternoon of December 23rd and reopen the morning of January 3rd. Our commitment to you is to work extra hard until Christmas to make this precious time off possible without hampering or delaying any of our events or meetings. We value your commitment and will do whatever it takes to keep things moving during this important time. Thanks for working with us to give our staff this much-needed break and here's to wishing you and yours a joyous Holiday Season.


Your 2010 American Heart Association Staff

Standing from L to R: Barbara Kumpe, Ashley Whisenhunt, Katie Scherrey, Monika Hemenway, Jennifer Ferguson, Tammy Quick
Seated from L to R: Valerie Wade, Lloyd Webre, Carol Dyer
(not pictured: Marilyn Clark, Florence Jackson, Brian Muldrow)

Help the AHA Win $200,000 by Clicking Today

Help us receive $200,000 in funding! If you haven’t already, all you have to do is join Members Project®, and cast a vote for us each week. After November 30th, Members Project will tally the votes and announce the winners for the voting round. We want to be a part of that list.

Vote today and every week for the American Heart Association!

To join Members Project and/or cast your votes, go to:http://www.takepart.com/membersproject

Health Care Reform: What it Means for You

If you’re like most Americans, you have questions about how the new health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, will affect you and your family. The American Heart Association has produced a series of brief videos with questions from real consumers and responses from experts about how the new law will impact patients with heart disease or stroke. Learn more by visiting: http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/.

Here are some videos that you may find helpful:

"Will health care reform make coverage more affordable for families like mine? How will it work?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr1-92P-Uxs&feature=player_embedded

“How will healthcare reform address the needs of patients like me, who have lost their jobs and employer insurance?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sh-rbM1P3g&feature=player_embedded

"Will the new health reform law make prevention and preventive coverage an integral part of health care and place more emphasis on preventing disease, rather than treating it?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sh-rbM1P3g&feature=player_embedded

National Institute of Health Research funding Needs your Support

Senator Bob Casey (PA) is circulating a letter that asks for $35 billion for the National Institutes of Health. This is the same amount requested by the American Heart Association to ensure continued progress in medical research, and Senator Casey’s office has requested our help in getting his fellow Senators to sign onto the letter. You can help by encouraging volunteers to visit Research Saves Lives to send a quick email to their Senators.

Ask your Senators to support $35 billion for the National Institutes for Health. These funds could support medical research leading to new treatments and even cures for heart disease and stroke. Act Today. Link: = http://bit.ly/aDNlI8

Arkansas Approves Funding for Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in All Public Schools

Starting on the right are Lindsey, Tammy and Murry Busby, Chris Winston, Wes Busby, Barbara Kumpe, Government Relations Director for the AHA, Tammy and Bill Winston.



Display of a sampling of the some 11,000 coloring sheets and petitions collected from Students all across Arkansas in support of AEDs and CPR in their schools




American Heart Associations volunteers, staff and legislators came to together on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, to participate in a very special press event. The event was held to acknowledge the support of our Governor and state Legislators for the funding to place automated external defibrillators on every public school campus statewide.

Early in 2010, three Arkansas students collapsed from heart issues during separate athletic events. Fortunately two students, Chris Winston and Wes Busby, were aided with an AED and survived their cardiac event. Eerily, one of the students who attended the same high school as Antony Hobbs, III fell to the floor on the same basketball court. The AED CPR in Schools Act was named in Hobbs' honor after his death on the basketball court back in 2008. Fortunately, Chris Winston had a happier ending. A nearby AED was used to stabilize his heart and save the student’s life.

These three instances helped refocus attention on the issue, and coupled with the AHA volunteer and staff efforts — including a grassroots movement in schools that generated 10,806 coloring sheets supporting AEDs signed by kids, direct lobbying of legislature AHA champions, recruiting assistance from the Department of Health and numerous media placements — helped get the funding bill passed.

Joining the activities were the families of the two students. Along with the third grade classes of Forrest Park Elementary who participated in National Wear Red back on February 5th.

On March 1, the Arkansas Governor signed into law ACT 270, which provides $200,000 in funds to finally make the Antony Hobbs III Act a reality. Coupled with additional funds from the 2009 Session the state will have $325,000 that will be used to fund AEDs in Arkansas schools. This Legislative victory actually began in 2007, when Arkansas high school student and basketball player Antony Hobbs III collapsed with heart failure during a game and tragically died moments later. Defibrillation may have saved Antony’s life, but there was no AED on campus. Over Arkansas’ last two legislative sessions, the American Heart Association and Antony’s parents have led the way to pass the act requiring an AED on every public school campus and CPR training for school personnel. The Antony Hobbs III Act was signed into law in 2009; however, the funding for the legislation had not yet been appropriated.

National Institutes of Health Fly-In

a>

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

Celebrate Heart Month and Wear Red Day

Central Arkansans and Local businesses celebrate American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – February 2, 2010 – February is Nationally known as American Heart Month and on Friday, February 5, National Wear Red Day, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Movement is asking Arkansas women and men to bring a voice to this silent killer by Wearing Red. One in three women suffers in silence, and almost one woman dies every minute of this largely preventable disease. The American Heart Association is encouraging everyone across the state to wear red.
As a part of Heart Month the Central Arkansas American Heart Association will present:

WHAT: The 2010 Central Arkansas Go Red For Women Survivor Gallery Unveiling;
a poster series featuring personal stories of local women who have recovered from heart disease or mothers that have children with heart disease. These real-life survivors are sharing their experiences to inspire other women to improve their heart health.

WHO: Special Guests:10 Heart Disease Survivors and their families including
Rev. Betsy Singleton and Phyllis Brandon
First Lady Ginger Beebe
Elizabeth Small
Danny Gaines, Chesapeake Energy

WHEN: NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY Friday, February 5, 2010, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Arkansas State Capitol 2nd Floor Rotunda
*Survivors at the Capitol as well as participants at the unveiling will be available for photo opportunities as well as interviews. If you would like to do a special or feature story; please contact Terri Clark and we will make all necessary arrangements.

Also as a part of the Heart Month Celebration local Buildings will be Going Red; the Bank of American building downtown will feature a red heart on the east and south sides of the building throughout the month of February. The lights on The Big Dam Bridge will be turned red throughout February. The following buildings will display a Go Red For Women banner during the month: Acxiom, Arvest Bank Building (downtown), Baldwin Shell Building, Little Rock City Hall and St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center.

One of the many companies that’s speaking up to support Go Red For Women this February is Jiffy Lube. For the third consecutive year, Jiffy Lube is rolling out its Maintenance Partners for Life program to help raise funds and awareness for heart disease prevention. From February 1 through March 14, 2010, Jiffy Lube customers who make a $3 donation to Go Red will receive the Maintenance Partners for Life book and will contribute to Jiffy Lube’s goal of raising $1 million for the cause with this year’s program.

About Go Red For Women - Go Red For Women is part of the American Heart Association’s solution to help save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer, which is largely preventable.

GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into lifesaving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

AEDs and CPR Needed in Every School in Arkansas.

On Tuesday evening, January 19th, 2010, a high school basketball student at Parkview High School, in Little Rock, fell to the floor unconscious. School personnel quickly worked to revive the young man who did not have a pulse. The young man is alive today because of the efforts of bystanders. This happened three years to the month when another student was not so fortunate. The Antony Hobbs, III Act of 2009 was passed because Hobbs suffered sudden cardiac arrest at a Parkview high school basketball game in January of 2007 and died. But because of his death many schools have taken the initiative to place the lifesaving devices in their respective schools. Below is a letter from a school district that is making a difference and making their campus a safe place for students, faculty and visitors.



This letter is in response to a request for all schools across the state to Wear Red on Friday, February 5th in support of the American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day. this years message is to support restoring funding for the AEDs and CPR training for all schools.



During the 2009 Session a law was passed that requires AED placement and CPR training on every public school campus in Arkansas. When the 56 cent tobacco tax was approved a portion of those funds were to be used to fund the placement and training efforts. But due to state budget cuts the funding for the AEDs and CPR was cut.



This years Wear Red events in Arkansas will focus on the issue that every school across the state needs and by law are required to have on campus automated external defibrillator and CPR trained school personnel.



Dear Ms. Kumpe:
I am in receipt of your letter dated January 8 and wanted to let you know that the Siloam
Springs School District has purchased 15 AEDs two years ago and paid for them ourselves out of local money; and we train our coaches, PE teachers, and other staff members in CPR and in use of the AEDs. We also train all of our students in CPR through our tenth grade Health classes so all students taking Health class receive this very valuable training.



We are in full support of your important initiative. My point is we are doing more than requesting funding we believe in a healthy lifestyle and we believe in the value of the AEDs and CPR training. We use emergency responders to help train students. We also have RNs in all of our individual school buildings.


I just wanted you to know that if we don't color or sign petitions it is because we are actively engaged in walking our talk toward a healthy life style.


I thank you for your passion and dedication in promoting elimination of heart disease and stroke. Your efforts are to be admired. Thank you for caring and sharing this initiative with all the schools in Arkansas.


Sincerely,
Ken Ramey, Superintendent
Siloam Springs School District


Let's not have another week go by that our children are not protected. Make sure your students and faculty are protected. Contact your state legislator and the Governors office and tell them to find the funds to support AED and CPR for every school in Arkansas. We need to protect our children. Make that call TODAY.

Governors Office - 501-682-2345

House Members - 501-682-7771

Senate Members - 501-682-6107

For additional information contact Barbara Kumpe, Arkansas Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association - Barbara.Kumpe@heart.org or 501-379-1182

Little Rock School District Places Automated External Defibrillators

Protection is the Key to one of the states largest school districts. The Little Rock School District recently placed 78 automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, and completed training in basic CPR for key faculty.

Senator Tracy Steele, (pictured to the left)lead sponsor of the Antony Hobbs III Act joined members of the Little Rock school district and many community leaders at a press event announcing the placement of the AEDs Monday, January 11, 2010. The new law was approved during the 2009 Legislative session. Also joining the Senator was Mr. and Mrs. Antony Hobbs, Sr., the parents of the young student that died tragically at a Park View High School Basketball game in January 2008.

This new law requires all schools districts to have on campus a defibrillator and trained school personnel in the use of the device. The Little Rock School district joins many other districts across the state with implementation of the new law. The determination of how many units a Little Rock school received was based on the physical size of the building and the school’s population. The units are strategically placed in buildings to allow a three to five minute response time. For example, Central High School, the largest school in the district, will get five AEDs, while most elementary schools will get one unit each.

Over 275 LRSD staff members have been trained in the use and care of the AEDs. Nurses, security guards, coaches and P.E. teachers began training in December. The law requires compliance by all school districts statewide by May 2011.

For a demonstration of how the AED works can be found at http://www.heartsine.com/