2025 North Dakota Advocacy and Engagement Committee
North Dakota leaders to serve on American Heart Association’s statewide advocacy and engagement committee
American Heart Association announces 2024-2025 policy priorities
For Immediate Release
FARGO, N.D., July 19, 2024 — Nine North Dakota leaders have been named to the American Heart Association’s 2024-2025 Statewide Advocacy and Engagement Committee. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
During the upcoming year, committee members will play an instrumental role in advancing health equity and guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke in North Dakota. Together these volunteers will guide the Association’s policy efforts to change systems and policies, address disparities and transform health care and the health of communities in the state.
Specifically, the committee will advise the Association’s policy efforts in the areas of adopting Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in schools and athletic facilities; strengthening stroke and cardiac systems of care; increasing access to healthy nutrition; building up quality early childcare systems; bolstering tobacco cessation programs and strengthening laws to protect our children from the epidemic of vape products as we work toward the tobacco end game; and prioritizing preventative work with the North Dakota Multi-Partner Health Collaborative (MPHC).
Joan Enderle, who retired as the Director of Public Health Program Implementation from the American Heart Association in January 2024 and lives in Jamestown, will serve as chair of the committee. Additionally, Greg Gallagher, a community advocate from Mandan, will serve as vice-chair.
“I am honored to help lead the American Heart Association’s efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our state,” said Enderle. “I am passionate about helping people live longer, healthier lives, and I believe the American Heart Association is doing incredible work to make that a reality for ALL Americans. I look forward to working with the committee to promote cardiovascular wellness through science, education, diversity, and advocacy.”
Enderle will lead a team of eight additional North Dakota leaders, including:
- Jared Eagle, Three Affiliated Tribes-MHA Nation, New Town
- Greg Gallagher, retired, Mandan
- Amy Heuer, ND SHAPE and Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, Bismarck
- Janet Maxson, retired, Minot
- Sandy Rohde, Hilltop Nursing Home of Comfort, Vision West ND, Manning
- Melanie Smith, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, Watford City
- Sandra Tibke, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, Bismarck
- Mevan Wijetunga, MD, Altru Health System, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
For additional information on the American Heart Association’s work in North Dakota, visit www.heart.org/NorthDakota.
Additional Resources
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chrissy Meyer, Region Senior Marketing Communication Director
[email protected], 605-360-2542