Ollie Galloway, Jackson

Our 2017-18 Mississippi Advocacy Committee is composed of individuals from across the state with different occupations, and a great interest in advocating for policy change for heart health issues. Today, we'd like you to meet our vice-chair of the committee, Ollie Galloway, from Jackson. This is Ollie's third year serving on the Mississippi advocacy committee. She recently advocated during AHA's Federal Lobby Day, You're the Cure on the Hill, in June. 

How long have you been a volunteer with the American Heart Association and in what capacity? This is my first year being involved with the AHA and I am serving on the state advocacy committee.

Who or what inspires you to help and volunteer your time to the work of the AHA? The personal experience of how CPR saved my son’s life has inspired our family to share the awareness of CPR and other heart-related conditions and issues.

What heart healthy issue is most important to you and why? CPR because when our son was in the emergency room on June 2, 2014 our ER physician told us, “Because E.J.'s coaches performed CPR on your son, they SAVED HIS LIFE!” CPR is why. Life is so important to the Galloway family!

What are two ways you keep yourself healthy? Exercise and education. Encouraging ourselves and others to embrace a healthy lifestyle with exercise and education. I truly believe, when we learn better, we do better.

How is your community healthy that makes you proud? The awareness, events, education for our local Metro Jackson American Heart Association office is tremendous. The volunteer involvement makes the difference.

How do you stay updated on current public policies in your state? Newspapers, news stations, and the Internet

If you could help advocate for one change in your state, what would it be and why? Required CPR in every school (elementary, middle school & high school). The importance of CPR training, kits, and continuing education in our school system. Our students spend most of their day with other students. The education and training for each student will save a life. The goal of everyone involved is needed, not depending on staff/administration to perform CPR – the education/training for students will save lives too.

Do you have a favorite AHA/ASA event you annually attend? What is your motivation to participate? The Go Red for Women Luncheon is my favorite! Our son E.J. attended this year for the first time and his heart story was displayed. We are humble and grateful to offer our service to the AHA. Without the gift of CPR, we would be sharing a different heart story.

Have you attended a state or federal lobby day on behalf of the AHA?  If so, please briefly explain your experience. YES! We attended the Rally for Medical Research Hill Day in Washington, D.C. in September 2016. And, this summer in June, I attended AHA's Federal Lobby Day, You're the Cure on the Hill 2017.

What have you learned in your time being a You’re the Cure advocate? The importance of sharing E.J. heart story. If it saves one life, our giving and sharing has not been in vain.

Why would you tell a friend or family member to join You’re the Cure? To support a great cause and because one person can make a difference.

Tell us one unique thing about yourself. I love God and I am a BASKETBALL MOM! Go E.J.!