Meet Tracy Russell, Government Relations Director for Kansas and Missouri.
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What brought you to be an advocate for the AHA?
Heart disease has been my family’s legacy and curse. My Dad had a quadruple bypass at the age of 60, saving his life. He continues to thrive today. I am so thankful for the medical advances that AHA has invested in that advocacy seemed a natural fit.
What Issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?
I am passionate about tobacco control and have worked to drive down use rates for a number of nonprofits. Tobacco use is the single, most preventable cause of death and I will continue to make noise on this critical issue!
What is a favorite advocacy memory so far and what made it great?
Coordinating the effort that resulted in a statewide smoke-free law in Kansas is my best memory! Changing our cultural norms and moving the health needle makes all the work worth it! After passage, I visited with a waitress in Pittsburgh, KS who said, unprompted, that the smoke free law had so changed her quality of life at work.
Favorite way to be active?
I like to walk with friends so I can do as much chatting as walking! As the mother of two active boys, I am constantly moving!
Favorite fruit or vegetable?
I never pass on cherries in the summertime and munch on carrots when I crave a healthy snack.
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