"Project Red Dress" 2008 a SUCCESS!

In slightly more than a week we will celebrate my mothers eighth birthday. Naturally, it isn’t her actual birthday, that day falls on April the 18^th of every year. No, this birthday is the day we celebrate her successful open heart surgery, which bypassed three blockages in arteries of her heart. On July 10^th we’ll mark eight years of life and love that we may not have had if she hadn’t received an accurate diagnosis in time. As a woman suffering from heart disease nearly a decade ago, she almost didn’t. Since that time I’ve made it my personal mission to make sure that every woman I have the opportunity to come into contact with has the weapons they need to protect themselves from the nations leading killer of women.

This last weekend I was so honored to speak to the group of ladies who assembled for the second annual “Project Red Dress” event. “Project Red Dress” is in conjunction with the “Go Red for Women” campaign. Designers from across the state and nation designed amazing red gowns, which were modeled in a fashion show. Winners were chosen from both a professional and amateur category, and each winner received round trip airfare to New York and tickets to the national “Go Red” fashion show. There were approximately 500 women in attendance, and I was thrilled to be able to share with them the mission of “Go Red”, and invite them to join the “You’re the Cure” network. I always speak about my mothers experience obtaining a diagnosis, and my own struggle to receive treatment. I am always overwhelmed by the response of the audience. Sadly, there are always attendees who share with me stories of their loved ones struggle to get an accurate diagnosis, for which there was no happy ending. It is my dream and mission to see to it that every woman gets the adequate care that is needed to insure that no one die an early and senseless death from heart disease.

You’ll also no doubt notice that I am wearing a banner in these photos. I am so excited and honored to be Mrs. Southeast International 2008. I will be leaving for Chicago on July the 14^th to compete in the 2008 Mrs. International pageant. Mrs. International really embodies all that is good and of value in married women’s pageantry. Mrs. International is a woman of high moral fortitude, integrity, passion, drive and honor. This incredible organization has partnered with the American Heart Association, and has chosen "Go Red For Women" as their national platform. Having been involved in "Go Red" since it's inception I cannot imagine a better opportunity to promote both organizations which hold such a special place in my heart.

Meeting with Incoming Speaker Wills

This email just came in from our Lobbyist Leader, Barbie Kumpe;

"Laine and Dan, I wanted to ask both of you to attend a meeting with incoming Speaker Robbie Wills. I will be calling to set up an appointment with him to discuss our issues for the coming session. I don’t have a date but would like for both of you to go with me. Can you let me know if you are willing and then I will try to set a meeting with him. I know it will depend on the date and time if you can go but you both are my first choice for attending.

Barbara Kumpe

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

South Central Affiliate/Arkansas

909 West Second Street

P.O. Box 1610

Little Rock, AR 72203

Toll Free - 866.877.5883 Ex. 4134

Little Rock Directline - 501.379.1182

Cell - 501.951.2992

Fax - 501.375.9066"

This is extremely exciting, as we are getting a head start on the upcoming legislative session. Any time there is such a huge shift in the legislative body as we will experience this session it is imperative that we have the ear of those officials. I'll keep you posted on this meeting, and the upcoming Advocacy group meeting!

Help Us Help You!

Every voice is important, but there is strength in numbers. The more You're the Cure advocates we have talking to their elected officials, the better our chances of successfully pushing heart-healthy policies. Do you know someone affected by heart disease or stroke? Is a friend or colleague passionate about these issues? Please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join the You're the Cure network!

Congress: Help Saves Lives in Schools!

Each year 166,000 Americans suffer a sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Sadly, more than 95%, die before reaching medical care. But a simple device and some basic training on how to respond in these emergency situations can help prevent tragedies.

Right now, legislators are considering an important bill — the Josh Miller HEARTS Act — which would establish a grant program to help schools pay for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and training. The bill was prompted by the tragic death of 15-year-old Josh Miller who suffered sudden cardiac arrest at a high school football game. It recognizes the importance of providing schools with the equipment and training necessary to save the lives of children and adults in the education community as part of an overall medical emergency response plan.

Quick application of proper CPR and defibrillation can make a difference and save lives. This bill would establish a grant program to help your schools purchase AEDs and provide training for their use, for cases of sudden cardiac arrest on school grounds.

Tell your lawmakers to help make our schools safer for everyone by supporting the Josh Miller HEARTS Act today!

Laine and Kevin Kick off Heart Ball planning for 2009!

Planning for the 2009 Heart Ball began yesterday with a bang! It is hard to believe it has already been a year since we started planning for the ’08 event, but time seems to fly when there is so much to do. Kevin and I were honored to serve on the ’08 Auction Board for the event, and we along with the other 8 members of the board were successful in raising over 1.1 million dollars for the American Heart Association in ONE EVENING! That is a huge number to try to duplicate, especially in these difficult economic times when giving to charitable organizations is down across the board. However, we will continue undaunted! We hope to up our overall giving at the event to 1.6 million for 2009. We are once again lead by the incredible Carol Dyer, whose hard work and dedication to this event has made it the largest in the nation. Our small but determined board is ready for the 2009 challenge! I’ll be keeping you posted on our progress.

FIT KIDS

The childhood obesity rate has now reached epidemic proportions in our country. With overweight children at greater risk of developing heart disease as adults, it is imperative that we, as a nation, take steps now to reverse this trend. Please join me and urge Congress to support the FIT Kids Act.

Tell Congress that we consider the health of our children a priority – send your message today!

By 2010, 20% of U.S. children are expected to be obese. While many factors have contributed to this alarming rise in overweight children, one of the main culprits is a decrease in the physical activity levels of today’s youth.

The FIT Kids Act (The Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act) addresses this specifically, seeking to amend the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure the quantity and quality of physical education in our schools is recognized.

But to get this critical piece of legislation passed we must reach out to our legislators and impress upon them the importance of making our kids health a priority … and that is where people like you come in.

If you haven’t already, please contact Congress right away.

It is imperative that our kids take part in regular physical education and learn to live healthier lifestyles, in order to reduce health risks including cardiovascular disease. Please don’t wait- join us in this critical effort and speak out for a healthier generation.

15 Minutes to TAKE ACTION!!

Friends,

As we draw near the end of our fiscal year, I wanted to personally thank you for your hard work and dedication to our mission. Your efforts directly impact the lives of so many. Cures that seemed impossible yesterday are possible today because of your unwavering commitment to our strategic impact goal of reducing coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25% by 2010.

Within the final days of this fiscal year we still have much work to do, and I would like to call on you for one final push to reach our affiliate goals.

Please join me on Monday, June 16 at 11:45 a.m. to be a part of "15 Minutes to Goal!"

"15 Minutes to Goal!" is a unique opportunity for staff and volunteers to simply take a short 15-minute break to:

• Invite 25 women (or men) to register for the Go Red For Women campaign,
• Recruit 25 women to take the Go Red For Women CheckUp, and
• Ask 25 African American women or men to take the Power To End Stroke pledge.

Tips: Call and recruit your friends, family, companies, vendors, volunteers, alliances, survivors, and caregivers. Ask each of them to recruit at least three people for you. Refer to our Go Red For Women e-mail template and our program benefits document for ideas.

Imagine reaching our affiliate goals in just 15 minutes. As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great states, "Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline." Your commitment and determination to see this goal through will raise the South Central Affiliate from good to great. I look forward to reporting great results from the South Central Affiliate at our next Board of Directors meeting.

Action ALERT!! Your voice CAN make a difference!

Heroes aren’t born, they’re trained. This week is National CPR/AED Awareness Week. Now is the perfect time to educate lawmakers on the importance of having Automated External Defibrillators in public places, as well as training the public to use them and become heroes. The good news is the Arkansas Legislature passed a bill requiring an AED for every school in the state. However, no funding was made available so many schools lack these life saving devices. Please urge Arkansas lawmakers to make this funding a top priority when the legislature reconvenes next year. The American Heart Association strongly supports public access to AEDs for many reasons including: -Each year, more than 250,000 people suffer cardiac arrest, usually away from a hospital. More than 95 percent of them will die, in many cases because defibrillation occurs too late to reverse the cardiac arrest. -Every minute that passes before returning the heart to a normal rhythm after a cardiac arrest causes the chance of survival to fall by 10 percent. -In public places and schools where strong Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) programs have been implemented which includes the placement of AED’s, survival from cardiac arrest has significantly improved. Thanks for your support! Laine

Nominated for L'Oreals "Woman of Worth" award

I am so honored to be able to share with you that I have been nominated for a L'Oreal "Women of Worth" award! This is one of those rare occasions where the nomination is as important as the award itself. Sherri Higgs of Texas, someone very special to me, who has followed my 8 year  volunteer career, nominated me for this very special honor. It is such a blessing to know that I have touched one persons life to such an extent that they find me worthy of this honor. Thank you Sherri for your faith in me and my work!


Dear Mrs Laine Berry,

Sheri wants to let you know that you have been nominated for the L’Oréal Paris 2008 Women Of Worth Award!

Here it is!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Women Of Worth Award

For over 30 years, “Because I’m Worth it” has been used by L’Oréal Paris to
celebrate Women Of Worth. As a progression of this philosophy, L’Oréal Paris has created the Women Of Worth Community. A continually growing group of
extraordinary women who are helping connect the personal commitment,
community and well-being of women.

Enlighten us about a Woman of Worth whose volunteer work is making a
beautiful difference in your community.

Nominate her and she could be awarded a donation of $2500 to support her
most cherished cause. And you’ll be a part of building L’Oréal’s ever-growing

Women Of Worth Community. L’Oréal Paris will make an additional $2500 donation in
the name of each of our winners to support the Ovarian Cancer Research
Fund (OCRF). To date, L’Oréal Paris has raised over $13 million on behalf of OCRF
to honor their commitment to women. Join L’Oréal Paris’ Women Of Worth
Community today. Because We’re All Worth It!

Visit to learn more L’Oreal Paris’ Women Of Worth

CPR Across Arkansas and City Goes Red

For the past several months we have been in the process of planning the largest ever mass CPR training ever to occur in the state of Arkansas. I am thrilled to report it was a rousing success! In all honesty, it was far beyond my wildest hopes!! Taking Wellness to Heart, the American Heart Association, Air Evac and the Arkansas Heart hospital were all sponsors of the event, and our early estimates are that more than 1500 people were trained in the life saving technique known as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It was an inspiring site to see hundreds of people gathered on the playing field of War Memorial Stadium, under the blazing sun, learning how to save lives. We began the training sessions this morning at 8 AM, and they ran until 2 o’clock.
There were many other opportunities for attendees to benefit from as well. The Heart Hospital staff was on hand to provide free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Their booth was, by far, one of the most popular. It is an honor to be able to provide life saving medical tests free of charge to those who may not normally be able to afford them.
I also spent time at the AHA “You’re the Cure” desk, signing up new YTC members. These members will become part of the largest life saving team in the nation. These individuals will receive emails when our state and national representatives are considering legislation that we at the AHA consider important to the overall health of our populace. I’ve mentioned this before, but it certainly bears repeating. Our legislators tell us that they rarely hear from even ten constituents on any legislative issue. Your one email could actually be considered a mandate to your representative.
The American Red Cross was in attendance as well, and had a more than successful blood drive from our attendees. Each drop of blood collected today represents a life saved.
Today was also out kick off event for our new movement, City Goes Red. This is our newest outshoot of the Go Red for Women movement. I am honored to serve on our state board of directors. We hope in this coming year to use CGR to encourage large corporations around our state to become deeply invested in the Go Red movement. We will organize health fairs for the employees of these corporations, and in turn we will have their corporation and fiscal sponsorship in the Go Red movement. We are thrilled to see where this new partnership can take Go Red!
I also got to spend some time with the rep for Zoll AED’s. (automatic electronic defibrillators). The Zoll AED is working closely with the AHA to follow each of the AHA’s considerations for AED’s. It is important that we on the Legislative Action Committee be fully aware of all brands of AED’s as we author new considerations to attach to next year’s AED’s legislation. Zoll is an incredible company, and I look forward to a lengthy relationship with them.
Other exciting news includes the upcoming Legislative Action Committee meeting at the end of June. As chairman I’ll be assigning our members their “areas of action” for the coming session. We have individual committees that in the coming session will divide their attentions between AED legislation, obesity law, disparity research, tobacco excise issues and physical activity in schools. I’ll be giving out their “assignments” at the end of the month, and then the REAL work will begin!
Also, June 18th is our first board meeting for the 2009 Heart Ball. I cannot believe it has already been three months since the ’08 event, and already time to begin the hard work again! We have a huge goal ahead of us, since each year we seek to raise more than the year prior. Last year we raised 1.1 MILLION dollars in one evening. I hope we can top that success this year!
Please enjoy the photos from today’s event!

May is Stroke Month-Educate Yourself and those You LOVE!

Did you know that when it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost? Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke and every second that person goes untreated, thousands of brain cells are lost, potentially impairing their ability to carry out the simple, every day tasks we take for granted.

While the statistics are startling, we all have a role to play in ensuring future victims of stroke have the best chance for recovery. Join me in learning the five warning signs of a stroke and how to respond to them quickly. Your ability to recognize a stroke and act could make all the difference.

• Walk — Is their balance off?
• Talk — Is their speech slurred or face droopy?
• Reach — Is one side weak or numb?
• See — Is their vision all or partly lost?
• Feel — Is their headache severe?

If you see just one of these symptoms, even if it goes away, do not wait- call 9-1-1 immediately! For more information, visit www.giveme5forstroke.org.

Even our legislators on Capitol Hill have a role to play in raising awareness about stroke- but they need to hear from you that this health issue is a priority. Right now, the Senate is considering the STOP Stroke Act- legislation which aims to ensure that stroke is more widely recognized by the public as a medical emergency and treated more effectively by healthcare providers. Join me in sending a message to our Senators today, urging them do their part to pass the STOP Stroke Act.

Telecommuting to the UK, CPR Month and MORE!

WHEW!! May has been whirl-wind in more ways than one! A lengthy vacation took a chunk out of the middle of the month for me, but we are back home and running!

May started with the creation of the International Coalition to Defeat Childhood Obesity, which I am honored to have been nominated to. I will serve as an Arkansas Liaison to this incredible organization, with hopes to travel to the UK in a few months time. We had hoped to host the Rt. Honorable Dawn Primarolo MP, Minister of State for Public Health, here in the state of Arkansas. Sadly, the Myanmar tragedy preempted those plans. International focus needs to be with those victims at this time, and we in Arkansas are among those praying for the survivors, and supporting the relief efforts. However, we are blessed to live in the 21^st Century, and have amazing technologies at our disposal! So, instead of shaking hands and meeting face to face, we clicked on our computers and enjoyed a “telecommute” to the UK! The UK is very interested in our BMI bill, and deeply wants to install a similar program in its’ public education system. We began by sharing our original BMI bill, which was voted into law and ratified by former Governor Mike Huckabee in 2003. We then detailed for Ms. Primarolo the rollercoaster ride of alterations and changes, and even the battle for repeal that have come since that time. We were happy to share with her that there is now a strong backing for the current BMI procedures in Arkansas, and the seven other states that followed suit. More meetings are to follow, so stay with me as we continue this process over the coming months. I anticipate my first trip to the UK in the near future!

May is national CPR month across America! We at the AHA are attempting to get as many persons as possible trained in this life saving technique. Workshops will be held nation wide through the month to train individuals on how to react in crisis situations, and how to be part of saving a life. If bystander CPR is not provided, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival fall 7 percent to 10 percent for every minute of delay until defibrillation. Few attempts at resuscitation are successful if CPR and defibrillation are not provided within minutes of collapse. Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival. We will be having our CPR training day in Little Rock, on May 30^th. I hope to see you there!

Also, Taking Wellness to Heart is gearing up for another fundraising season. Be watching for “Heartstrong Woman” conferences in your area, and opportunities to give to and AED drive near you. Last year alone we placed 17 Automatic Electronic Defibrillators in the state of Arkansas, bringing our overall total since 2005 to 47. We hope to double that number next year!

Heart Walk 2008!!

This past Saturday was our annual Heart Walk here in Arkansas. God blessed us with the best weather of the season, and an OUTSTANDING group of volunteers and walkers. In the last 8 years I have been at the Heart Walk in many capacities, from organizer to emcee. This year I was thrilled to be there as the Advocacy (lobbyist) committee representative. It was a wonderful to time to catch up on with old friends who are there every year, celebrating their survival and helping raise funds for life saving research and legislation. My favorite friend to see every year is Kirk Johnston. I first met Kirk when he was only 5 years old, and after having survived multiple heart surgeries. Kirk’s parent’s had already lost a daughter in infancy to a heart condition, and in this I can empathize. Kirk was born with an equally life saving condition, but miraculously is with us today-a healthy, vibrant teen-ager. We were able to sign up many many more “heart warriors” - we had fabulous success getting the walkers to join “You’re the Cure”. Speaking of which, TODAY is national “You’re the Cure” lobby day in Washington DC! Barbie Kumpe is there, along with a lovely mother/son team from Arkansas who plan to share their story of survival with our nations legislators. I was unable to attend this year, as tomorrow is the day I’ll be meeting with the Health Minister of the UK to discuss beginning the BMI program in his country. I am so blessed to get to be part of this international movement toward a heart healthy future!

We need your Stinky Sneakers TODAY!!

Tomorrow is You’re the Cure on the Hill- the American Heart Association’s federal lobby day, and hundreds of You’re the Cure advocates will be on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to pass legislation to help counter the childhood obesity epidemic we presently face.

With the event now only hours away, I wanted to remind you to take part in our Sneakers for FIT Kids Photo Petition, so we can demonstrate the widespread support for the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act).

Remember, the FIT Kids Act would amend No Child Left Behind to ensure the quality and quantity of physical education begin provided in our public schools is prioritized. Tomorrow is an important step in our efforts to see that this important bill is passed, and your participation today can have an invaluable impact on the outcome.

There is still time for you to take part in the Sneakers for FIT Kids Photo Petition. All it requires is that you take these three easy steps:

1) Take A Picture Of Your Well-Used, Stinky Sneakers – Whether they are high tops, tennis shoes or cross trainers, just snap a photo of your sneakers or of you being active in your sneakers. And get creative- create a sign expressing your support to include in the shot!

2) Send Your Picture To Snakers4FITKids@yahoo.com – Take a look at the hundreds of sneaker pictures we have already received. We would like to add your photo too so we can demonstrate to Congress that ensuring the health of our kids is an important priority.

3) Wear Your Sneakers April 29th – Even if you cannot join us at You’re the Cure on the Hill in person, be sure to wear your sneakers tomorrow to raise awareness of the issue and show your solidarity with our cause.

In closing, I would like to thank you on behalf of the American Heart Association – and the millions of kids whose lives you can make healthier – for supporting our campaign.

2008 Red Cap Rally

April 16^th we at the AHA celebrated our annual Red Cap Rally. The Red Cap Rally is a wonderful celebration for survivors of heart disease and stroke. This year the Rally was held at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, where our very own Arkansas Razorbacks play their SEC football games. Now, you need to understand that the whole football connection really means nothing to me, but my beautiful and loving husband was really excited about it, so it is important to me too! It was just an overwhelming event; what an amazing experience it was to look out over the sea of red caps from the podium, and realize that our efforts at the AHA contribute to each one of those saved lives. I’m not exactly certain how many were in attendance, but early estimates were between 600 and a thousand. We were entertained by a great band made up of Cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons from across the state, and heard words from Dr. Weeks, head of Cardiology at Baptist Health. I was asked to speak about the Legislative Advocacy Committee, what we do, and how the public can help us in our efforts. I asked the attendees to sign up for the “You’re the Cure” network. You’re the Cure is the Advocacy component of the AHA, and I have served as chairman of the directorship committee for the last three years. YTC collects email and residency information from its membership and then notifies said membership when legislative issues are coming before their elected officials that need action. As little as two clicks of your mouse can contact your representatives and tell them to TAKE ACTION on these life saving measures. We were so blessed to sign up dozens of new members to our action team that night.

There are few events that I participate in where picture taking is appropriate. But, this wasn’t one of those, so I hope you enjoy the few snapshots, and enjoy getting to see some the faces that are working daily to save lives by changing laws!

Amazing things happening with our Lobbyist Group!

I have so much to share today! Yesterday was the committee meeting of the lobbyist group on which I serve for the AHA, and we have so much work ahead of us for the 2009 season. Of course, our next official legislative season does not begin until January of 2009, but we begin NOW to plan, write and find sponsors for bills that are going to be argued in that upcoming session. There are going to be many carry-over issues from last session. There are huge life saving/changing issues that require further support and action, as well as new issues that we are going to wrestle.

First, last session we were successful in the passage of The AED Act, which mandated that all public schools in Arkansas have Automatic Electronic Defibrillators…pending funding. While it was a great success to have the bill fly through both houses like it did, not having the funding piece included basically made it ineffective. We basically had an unfunded mandate, and those have little value. That left it up to organizations like mine, Taking Wellness to Heart, to find funding for these devices. While we placed several last year we certainly do not have the capability to place one in every public school in the state. Sadly, in the 2007 school year we lost a Little Rock school student to cardiac arrest. Had there been an AED present his life might not have been forfeit. In reaction to all of the above we are writing an addendum to the AED Act, which will provide one million dollars in state funding to provide these life saving devices statewide. Rep. Sandra Prater, who sponsored the AED Act for us, has agreed to sponsor the addendum. We have every indication that this addendum will also fly through both Houses. We are also working on a set of “considerations” for the schools to use when purchasing their AED, and the protocol to put in place for their use. We want to make sure that the public schools are buying FDA tested and approved devices, and have someone on staff trained in the proper usage of the device.

Second, we are working diligently on increasing the excise tax on tobacco products. I am ashamed to say that Arkansas has an excise tax of only 59 cents. Many states in our nation have a tax of 3-4 dollars per pack. Studies show that for every 10% increase in the tax on a packet of cigarettes usage decreases by 10%. This will also increase tax monies available for other state health initiatives. The AHA takes no state funding, and therefore the state cannot tell us what to do with our funds. However, we strongly support our initiative partners receiving “devoted” funds. This would mean that the American Cancer Society and other health organizations would have the potential to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from this tax. Sadly, our new Governor is not a fan of “devoted” funds, so we have an uphill battle before us on this issue.

Third, we are again working on a State-Wide Stroke Trauma System. This would create a system of medical facilities across the state to treat stroke victims in the critical first three hours. It will take approximately 25 million dollars in yearly funding to create the trauma system, and getting both houses to agree on where those funds will come from has created a difficulty. Last session both houses agreed that the system was imperative, and recognized its life saving benefits. Arkansas leads the nation in deaths by stroke. However, each house had its own ideas on how to fund the project on a long term basis. This next session our focus will be on getting the two houses to agree on funding, and begin the lengthy process of setting up this life saving system.

Most exciting of all, we have been asked by the Health Ministry of the UK to help them establish a BMI testing protocol in their various countries. Arkansas passed Act 1220 in 2003, and set the benchmark for the US for this life changing program. We now have five years worth of experience with this very sensitive issue, and the UK wants to see how we have put the program in place, how we have handled the dissemination of the information, and how we have handled the back lash from teachers and parents. We will be meeting with them this month, and traveling to them during the next calendar year. Who would have EVER thought a piece of legislation that I worked on would be of interest on an International level, and who would believe that the tiny state of Arkansas would be an example to the world??? I am overwhelmed!

April the 16th I’ll be speaking to more than 1000 heart disease survivors at the Arkansas Red Cap Rally, and April 26th we’ll be celebrating the Central Arkansas Heart Walk. May the 31st is CPR Across Arkansas, where we hope to train 1000 people on CPR administration.

SO many exciting things going on-stay posted!!

AED Funding on the line-TAKE ACTION!

Legislation was passed during the 2007 Legislative session requiring all schools to have an automated external defibrillator (the device used to shock the heart when sudden cardiac arrest occurs) on site with trained staff and protocol in place.

However, there was no funding included in the bill so many schools currently lack an AED on campus. Contact your Legislator and ask them to make funding for AED a part of their agenda and to work with leadership to find the money to fund this effort.

Click here to urge lawmakers to make this funding a priority.

Some schools in the state are currently placing AEDs in their gyms and at sporting events. This effort was highlighted by the recent death of a high school basketball player in Little Rock and many schools are moving forward without the state funding.

The American Heart Association has been working with the Department of Education and many other entities to make sure that school authorities have the knowledge needed to make informed decision when purchasing the devices. The American Heart Association is very clear that AED protocol needs to be in place for the devices. It is vitally important that schools have a plan of action to take when an emergency situation arises.

New Affiliate for Arkansas!

The American Heart Association is, of course, a national organization. As with any organization of its size and caliber, it can become difficult to accurately gauge the needs of each individual member of its constituency. Therefore, the AHA breaks it membership into “affiliates”. These affiliates are groups of states which ban together to empower one another in legislative and health initiative issues, under the guidance of the home organization. For the last several years Arkansas has been part of the “Heartland” affiliate. Our Heartland affiliate states included Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, and as a lobbyist for the Heartland affiliate I was honored to spend time working on initiatives in many of these states. But as powerful as this affiliate was, it was becoming apparent that the needs of these states were so disparate that our impact was being lessened.

However, our dream of a new affiliate has been realized. We in the Advocacy Leadership Team had the dream of a new affiliate; one that would join together states with unique cultures, diversities and traditions, but similar health concerns. Our goal was to create a new “South Central Affiliate”, comprised of the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Leadership from these states came together to form the new affiliate in record time! Oklahoma and Arkansas have the highest mortality rates from Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, while Texas and New Mexico have large “high-risk” groups.

This change will allow us to continue to make significant progress toward our 2010 impact goal. We at the AHA hope to reduce the death rate from heart attack and stroke by 25% by this date, and to do that it is imperative that we focus on our high risk populations.

On a personal level this is an extremely exciting change. I was born in Texas, raised in Oklahoma, and have lived in Arkansas for the last 20 years. This new affiliate will allow me to work closely with legislators in the states are literally and figuratively nearest and dearest to my heart!

Speaking alongside Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of the Board of the American Heart Association!

In my 8 years as a spokesperson and lobbyist for the American Heart Association I have been honored to speak across the nation. I’ve spoken to the Legislative houses in several states, worked in session with lawmakers, and hand-in-hand with former Governor and former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. In each of those situations I felt so blessed and honored to be there, but never nervous. I know that I have a mission, and that God has given me a passion for this work. However, when asked to be a keynote speaker at the recent St. Vincent Hospital Women’s Cardiovascular Seminar, alongside Dr. Anthony Fletcher, I was a nervous wreck! Dr. Fletcher is not only a leading specialist in the field of women’s heart health; he is also President of the Board of the American Heart Association, Heartland Affiliate. Being included in this event was by far one of the biggest honors I’ve received as an advocate, but to be a keynote speaker along with Dr. Fletcher was mind blowing! However, I was asked to speak BEFORE Dr. Fletcher. It was like having a living fact checker in my audience, who would then be speaking following my presentation. Dr. Fletcher was very kind, and listened intently as I spoke for my allotted 20 minutes. I was horrified that he would begin his presentation by saying “everything she just said is wrong”. Blessedly, that was not the case. Upon completing my presentation and taking my seat Dr. Fletcher opened his remarks for thanking me for my passion, my work, and my words. He then continued his presentation, which included several references back to what I had shared. Over and over he said “As my colleague Mrs. Berry stated”, or “as Laine shared with us earlier”. It was truly overwhelming! It was so validating to have my message so warmly received by one of the fields leading minds. Dr. Fletcher and I then took questions from the audience, and I was able to stand side by side with a man who heals broken hearts every single day. What a blessing, and what an honor! Also, the surgeon who performed my mothers’ surgery almost 8 years ago was in attendance. It was overwhelming to look into the audience and see Dr. Michael Bauer, and know that this man saved my mothers life with his own hands. I feel I have come full circle in this journey; it all began at St. Vincent Health Center, with my mother as a patient and me a worried family member. Now, 8 years later, I was given the opportunity to return as a champion for women everywhere. What a change time can make and what a miracle each the intervening years have been.

HEART WALK 2008!!

Join us at the 2008 Central Arkansas Start! Heart Walk
April 26, 2008
8:00a.m. - Registration/Pre-Walk
9:00a.m. - Walk Begins
North Shore River Walk, North Little Rock
Get your team together today!
We are inviting you to come to our office and pick up your team captain packets and get training on the Heart Walk website.
March 6th
American Heart Association
909 W. 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Drop by between the hours of:
7a.m. - 9a.m.
Or
11a.m. – 1:00p.m.
You will be trained on:
1.) How to send emails to your family, friends, co-workers, etc.
2.) How to register your team on the Heart Walk website
3.) How to build your web-page
4.) How to enter Offline donations
5.) Any other questions you have.
The training is a come and go training so you do not have to stay the entire 2 hours.
Snacks will be provided!