Heart at the Arkansas State Capitol

You’re the Cure Advocates joined lawmakers and female survivors of cardiovascular disease to kick off Go Red for Women with the annual Survivor Gallery unveiling held at the Arkansas State Capitol on February 1st.  Approximately 150 people filled the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate the survivors who were chosen to be in this years Survivor Gallery. 

Among the survivors chosen was State Advocacy Committee member Gale Scott. The speaking program was emceed by local radio personality Becky Rodgers. The Executive Director of the American Heart Association Central Arkansas market Joyce Taylor and Go Red For Women Chair Phyllis Rogers spoke about the importance of heart disease and stroke awareness, as well as the importance of educating women on the early warning signs.

The Advocacy portion of the event was kicked off by Suzy Felig, State Advocacy Committee Vice Chair and a national advocacy board member. Suzy spoke about advocacy’s policy campaigns and the importance of getting involved. Rep. Charlene Fite and Sen. Joyce Elliott also spoke about the effects of cardiovascular among women. First Lady Susan Hutchinson officially launched Go Red For Women day by announcing the Go Red for Women proclamation. Throughout the event, Advocacy guest blogger and Grassroots Action Team member, Abigail Davis, took over the @YoureTheCureAR Twitter account with live updates that included video interviews and photos. The Advocacy Team also organized volunteers at the event to canvass and table for the purpose of recruiting new advocates and gaining support with petition cards on multiple campaigns.

Facebook Live

Prior to the Survivor Gallery the Advocacy Team launched the first ever Facebook live event in the Southwest Affiliate. Regional Vice President, Affiliate Grassroots Initiatives and Engagement Vanessa Fuentes, joined the team to help. 

Government Relations Director David Oberembt and Affiliate Grassroots Director Allison Hogue spearheaded the event. Community Policy Manager Matt Henry and Community Grassroots Manager Heyward Whetsell were also instrumental in the planning and execution of the event. The Facebook live event consisted of live streaming a 10-15 minute interview with Rep. Fite and Sen. Elliott regarding cardiovascular disease and tying that into advocacy policy priorities.  

Advocacy Lunch & Learn

Directly Following the Survivor Galley unveiling, the Advocacy Team hosted a Lunch & Learn event. State Representative Michael John Gray spoke about how important it is for policymakers to hear from advocates and why it is important they get involved.  The next speaker was Grassroots Action Team member Keturah White who told her powerful story of being a stroke survivor and why the work we do is so important.  Government Relations Director David Oberembt then spoke about the state policies priorities.  Community Policy Member Matt Henry spoke about the importance of comprehensive smoke free policies and gave and gave an update on the Little Rock Smoke free campaign. Affiliate Grassroots Director Allison Hogue and Community Grassroots Manager Heyward Whetsell gave an overview of grassroots and ways to get involved.  Overall, the event was a big success. 

We can't wait for next years events!