Guest Blogger: Erin Bennett, Idaho Government Relations Director
I’m excited to join the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association as the new Government Relations Director in Idaho, and to continue the great work we are doing to further our mission here.
The AHA/ASA has been advocating to improve the health of all Idahoans, and I’m looking forward to working with the fantastic volunteers to keep the momentum going strong. We recently secured CPR training as a high school graduation requirement, adding thousands of trained rescuers to Idaho’s population every year. I hope to continue this emphasis on Idaho’s youth by focusing on physical education standards and introducing healthy food initiatives in schools.
Recently, I joined the Governor’s Time Sensitive Emergency Council to improve quality systems of care throughout the state to ensure every Idahoan facing a medical crisis such as a heart attack or stroke receives the right care, in the right time, at the right place. I look forward to working with coalition groups to encourage smoke free cities and expand health care access. I’m also open to new ideas and opportunities to improve the health of Idahoans across the state.
Before joining the AHA, I served as an independent government and public affairs consultant, specializing in health care, education and non-profit issues. I have worked with the Idaho Legislature since 2005, as well as working in Oregon and on the Federal level. I have worked in campaigns, polling, strategic planning and development for various organizations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, DC, and look forward to using my experience to further the mission of the AHA/ASA in the policy arena.
When I’m not working on public policy issues, I’m usually at the pool playing water polo, or at the park for a game of flag football with friends, traveling whenever possible, and annoying my dog tremendously. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with everyone involved in the AHA/ASA, and to continue making our community more awesome!
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