2025 South Dakota Advocacy and Engagement Committee
South 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
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., July 19, 2024 — Ten South 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 South 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; increasing access to healthy nutrition; building up quality early childcare systems; expanding access to care; implementing cardiac and stroke systems of care; 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.
Heather Krause, a senior strategist for the Mayo Clinic, will serve as chair of the committee. Additionally, Theresa Ferdinand, a physician and caregiver well-being leader for Monument Health, 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 Krause. “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.”
Krause, from Sioux Falls and Ferdinand, Rapid City will lead a team of eight additional South Dakota leaders, including:
- Fran Apland, retired, Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City
- Kendra Enright, Missouri Breaks Research, Eagle Butte
- Mick Gibbs, Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls
- Mike Jochim, South Dakota Bureau of Information & Telecommunications, Pierre
- Maynard Konechne, South Dakota EMS Association, Kimball
- Dean Lanier, Lumen Technologies, Tea
- Debra Owen, Debra Owen Consulting, Sioux Falls
- Anna Quinn, Ph.D., Hope Storm, Spearfish
For additional information on the American Heart Association’s work in South Dakota, visit www.heart.org/SouthDakota.
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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