Education is Why!

Meet one of the MN State Advocacy Committee members, Andy Iverson.

There is so much we can do to live healthier lives as individuals and as a society the most people just aren’t aware of. The American Heart Association does a great job informing the community and legislators about the small and big steps we can take towards healthier lives.

What brought you to be an advocate for the American Heart Association?

I had been volunteering as a Heart and Stroke Ambassador group and started hearing about all of the great work the Advocacy Committee was doing. They had just successfully advocated for teaching CPR in schools and testing newborn babies for congenital heart diseases and I thought wow this group really makes a huge difference, I want to be a part of that!

What issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?

I’m most passionate about issues that have to do with children. The AHA does a great job advocating for all children to have an opportunity to be healthy. It doesn’t seem right to me that a child doesn’t have a safe route to walk to school, access to healthy and nutritious food, or opportunities to be active.

What is your favorite advocacy memory or experience so far and what made it great?

My favorite advocacy experience was my first Heart on the Hill. I had never been to the State Capital, lobbied, or even met with my representatives so I was a little nervous. The AHA staff members did a great job making sure that all of the advocates like me who were probably a little nervous had the confidence and knowledge to speak to the issues and the positive impact new policies could have on communities in Minnesota.

What is your favorite way to be active?

I love to be outdoors. I play soccer, go running, and take trips up to the Boundary Waters.

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?

My favorite vegetable is brussel sprouts.