The American Heart Association has named Tommy Watson of Williston, VT, ‘ Youth Advocate of the Year.’ The national award will be announced at the association’ s annual Hero’ s Reception on congressional Lobby Day, You’ re the Cure on the Hill, in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 8th.
The national honorees include:
Science-Advocate of the Year is Dr. Weintraub from PA.
Volunteer-Advocate of the Year is Lee Storrow from NC.
Survivor-Advocate of the Year is Yolanda Dickerson from NC.
Youth-Advocate of the Year is Tommy Watson from VT.
‘ There is no better example of the phrase practice what you preach,’ said Tina Zuk, Government Relations Director at the Vermont American Heart Association. ‘ Tommy not only testified before the Vermont House and Senate Education Committees, he instructed the committees in how to perform CPR, and trained the Senate President, Lt. Governor, and Governor. His goal of training 100 people in hands-only CPR is now nearing the 1000 mark. He continues to train people in CPR at every opportunity and supports our advocacy work across the state.’
At the State House last year, Tommy Watson of Williston showed Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, left, and Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell, and other legislators, proper CPR technique.
The Youth Advocate of the Year award is given to a young person actively engaged in lobbying lawmakers on heart and stroke issues for the association. The advocate has testified before lawmakers, communicated with elected officials, shared his/her compelling story, served as a role model, recruited advocates and encouraged other youth to get involved.
You’ re the Cure on the Hill 2013 is bringing nearly 300 volunteers, heart disease and stroke survivors and staff to the nation’ s capital to ask members of Congress to restore funding for research supported by the National Institutes of Health that was cut during ‘ sequestration’ and allocate support from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to the Million Hearts program to focus on blood pressure reduction efforts.