The American Heart Association recently recognized Senator James E. Doyle, II (District 8 – Pawtucket) for his commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke in Rhode Island.
Doyle was presented with the 2013 Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award, a “lifetime achievement” award given annually in recognition of outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to advance the mission of the American Heart Association – building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Doyle, who serves as a Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, was selected for his leadership on bills that will help build a healthier Rhode Island. During the 2013 Legislative Session, Doyle championed legislation that requires all high school students to receive hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and an overview of automated external defibrillator (AED) use prior to graduation as part of the health education curriculum. The measure, which was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee, will create a new generation of lifesavers in the Ocean State.
Senator Doyle also sponsored the landmark Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act of 2009 which became a national model – and legislation that established curriculum standards for physical education in Rhode Island schools.
“Senator Doyle believes in offering and providing a healthy environment for all Rhode Islanders. He has a long history of partnering with the American Heart Association. We are thrilled to recognize his lifetime achievement as a public health champion,” noted Tracey Kennedy.
“Regardless of how busy Jamie is, every time we bring him a new idea he is willing to jump in and help. His leadership and commitment are greatly appreciated. We are very lucky to have him at the State House,” said Megan Tucker, Director of Government Relations.
The Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award was established in 2010 and is named for one of the American Heart Association’s most passionate advocates. Tracey Kennedy of Wakefield is a stroke survivor and her commitment to advancing the American Heart Association’s mission through meaningful policy change at the state and federal levels is unparalleled. She has displayed tremendous leadership over the years as past Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Board of Directors and as an Advocacy Ambassador. Kennedy currently serves as Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Advocacy Committee.
Heart disease is the number one killer in Rhode Island, claiming more than 2,300 lives every year. Stroke is the number five killer in Rhode Island, claiming more than 400 lives every year.*
*Based on total number of deaths in 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WISQARS Leading Cause of Death Reports, 2010.
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