Jim Bischoff is a longtime AHA and You’re the Cure advocate—the kind we all wish we had more of. When I first met Jim, I was new to the AHA and he was a seasoned advocate for the organization. I could easily say that he knew more about our issues than I did.
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Jim has participated in both state and federal lobby days for many years and regularly calls and meets with his lawmakers in-district on AHA issues. He is a former AHA affiliate board member and has served on this local board as well. Through it all, Jim has been an active member of our State Advocacy Committee and a member of the stroke policy volunteer group.
Jim not only understands our legislative priorities, but also is a great asset in determining advocacy strategy. He was always willing to give of his time – whether speaking to legislators, assisting with training of other advocates at Ohio Advocacy Days or local board meetings, media advocacy or recruiting volunteers. Jim was critical in advancing our issues by cultivating a deep relationship with his House and Senate members. During the 129th General Assembly, he gave compelling testimony on HB 427, the Ohio Stroke Designation Bill, which ultimately passed in the 132nd General Assembly as HB 464. Jim has been an integral part of many of AHA’s legislative policy advances in Ohio over the last 30 years.
Jim is personally a survivor of heart disease, which is what originally brought him to the organization in 1992. Since then, his son-in-law experienced a stroke. He takes these personal stories, along with his knowledge of the political process, to help advance our issues. It has been his mission to assist the organization in making a difference in the lives and health outcomes of others. Through advocacy, he seeks to increase his impact.
Many American Heart Association staff agree, Jim has been the face of the American Heart Association in Ohio. His knowledge, dedication and passion are unequaled.
Jim is not only an advocate, but also a stalwart member of our Ohio advocacy team. No matter the issue, Jim makes it his own. He is not only willing to help however asked, but sticks with an issue to see it through by lending his insight, contacts, and expertise to help ensure the best possible outcome.
On behalf of the American Heart Association, we're pleased to recognize and honor Jim's many contributions to the mission of the American Heart Association over the last 30 years with the Heart of Advocacy Award.
With Heart,
Dustin Holfinger, Ohio Government Relations Director
American Heart Association
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