Highlights from White House Town Hall

 

You’re the Cure advocates and AHA volunteers have had an exciting day participating in the White House Community Leaders Briefing on Cardiovascular Health on February 24, 2012. During the town hall session led by Director of Public Engagement, Jon Carson, some very powerful stories were shared. Here are some highlights.

• Lisa Deck, a three-time stroke survivor in her 30s, shared her story and asked how survivors like her can help the administration spread the word about the Affordable Care Act.

• Dr. Willie Lawrence, a cardiologist practicing in Kansas City, KS shared his incredible experience of saving a woman while dining out in D.C. the night before the event. CPR saved the life of an otherwise healthy woman who collapsed in the restaurant.

• Emery Miller, 13 year old youth advocate from Phoenix, AZ, shared his story of being born with a congenital heart defect. Throughout his young life, Emery has had four open heart surgeries, and his fifth is scheduled not long after returning home from Washington, D.C.

• Ruth Caruthers shared her heart-breaking story having lost her son Corbin just four-months after birth due to multiple heart defects. Ruth has worked tirelessly as an advocate to support legislation in West Virginia that would require pulse oximetry screening for all newborns. This inexpensive test can detect heart defects and save lives. The legislation has already passed the House and now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

These are just a few of the stories shared at the town hall. Jon Carson closed the event by sharing that although several other similar briefings have been held the Cardiovascular Health session was the most impactful. Great work You’re the Cure advocates and AHA volunteers!

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