AHA Welcomes Campaign Coordinator Alicia Johnson to the New York City Team

Alicia Johnson, Campaign Coordinator, explains why she’s excited to be a voice for healthy kids in New York City.

I believe in building communities where every person has access to the information, resources, and support they need to make healthy decisions and lead a happy, healthy life. Unfortunately, many communities lack access to those resources. As Campaign Coordinator with the American Heart Association in New York City, I am advocating to ensure that all children in New York City are able to grow up at a healthy weight, as part of Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Health equity is why. I’ve spent almost ten years advocating for health care access in my communities, beginning in college, continuing with my work as a communications and advocacy leader at nonprofits that provide sexual and reproductive health care in Massachusetts, and most recently as a volunteer for grassroots health care organizations in New York such as Housing Works. I have learned that the most meaningful policy change comes from the vision and power of people coming together to advocate for their love ones, their neighborhoods, and their communities. I can’t wait to work with advocates across New York City to build a healthier future together.

On a more personal level, my why is a long, healthy future where I can continue to run, travel, and explore the world on adventures with my partner, my friends, my family, and sometimes, just myself. Whether it’s running a half marathon through New York City, hiking the mountains of Puerto Rico, or walking and kayaking with my siblings and parents, I choose to eat healthy, exercise, and take care of my health – and empower others to do the same – because everyone deserves a life full of adventure, however we define it.

I hope you’ll join me to help ensure that for the children of New York City, the healthiest choice is the easiest one, no matter where they live.