Forum: Community Bulletin Board

susanhemery posts:13

AHA/ASA Lobby Day   On April 12th, I attended the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Lobby Day. There were over 1000 participants, a tenth of whom were survivors. This was the first time that I attended, and in order to attend again, I will definitely have an electronic wheelchair or what I call a "go-cart". The visit to the Hill was wonderful. AHA/ASA was working on four things: getting Congress to sign an appropriations bill for NIH and CDC, co-sponsoring the STOP Stroke Act and tobacco reform, and supporting the Safe Routes to School Program, which will reduce childhood obesity and therefore lessen heart attacks and strokes in the future. Thirteen of us met with our two Senators' staffers (from Senator Barbara Mikulski's and Senator Paul Sarbanes' offices). There were three survivors, one from heart attack, one from both a heart attack and a stroke, and myself. There were seven of us that met with my Representative (Chris Van Hollen, Jr.). In all three offices, I gave my 3-minute-speel. I included the fact that I was from the MCSA, and I supported stroke research and development. Extra positives: I've always heard of the Rayburn and Dirksen buildings among others, but this time I actually got to go into them. Also, can you believe that our Senators represent 5.5 million people? I have no idea how I could possibly do that. Mikulski had three receptionists! So. if anyone is interested in doing the next Lobby Day, let me know. I'm trying to get Betsy Vetter from AHA/ASA to come talk to Up-County during our stroke survivors meeting on May 11, 2005. Have a great day! Sue Emery

on: Wed 13 of Apr,'05 [08:50:50 pm]

Tip: To reply to the current topic, click on the "Leave New Message" button above!