Named Recipient of 2016 Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award
(PROVIDENCE, RI) The American Heart Association recognized Rhode Island Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed (District 13 – Newport, Jamestown) for her commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke at an award ceremony at the State House on May 25, 2016.
President Paiva Weed was presented with the 2016 Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award, a “lifetime achievement” award given in recognition of outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to advance the mission of the American Heart Association – building healthier lives, free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Paiva Weed, who has served as President of the Senate since 2009, was selected for her leadership and commitment to children’s health in Rhode Island. President Paiva Weed has been a champion for RIte Care and a longtime proponent of quality healthcare for children and families in the Ocean State. She has helped pave the way for strong school nutrition standards and a healthy school environment for Rhode Island children. Paiva Weed has protected kids from the dangers of tobacco and emerging products like electronic cigarettes. And, she supported efforts to ensure that all high school students will be trained in the lifesaving skill of CPR before they graduate.
Pictured Here: Tracey A. Kennedy, Stroke Survivor and Advocacy Ambassador, Rhode Island Senate President, M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Megan Tucker, Director of Government Relations at the American Heart Association.
“The American Heart Association is very appreciative of Senate President Paiva Weed’s efforts and partnership. The issues highlighted above are a mere snapshot of the work that has been accomplished under her leadership. We are thrilled to recognize President Paiva Weed’s lifetime achievement as a champion for children’s health and we congratulate her on receiving this very well-deserved award,” noted Tracey Kennedy.
“We thank Senate President Paiva Weed for her incredible leadership and commitment to Rhode Island’s children. We are very lucky to have her at the State House. We look forward to continuing our work together as we strive to build a healthier generation and a healthier Rhode Island,” said Megan Tucker, Director of Government Relations at the American Heart Association.
The Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award was established in 2010 and is named for one of the American Heart Association’s most passionate advocates. Tracey Kennedy of Wakefield is a stroke survivor and her commitment to advancing the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission through meaningful policy change at the state and federal levels is unparalleled. She has displayed tremendous leadership over the years as past Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Board of Directors and as an Advocacy Ambassador. Kennedy is a recipient of the prestigious National American Heart Association’s 2008 Volunteer Advocate of the Year and currently serves as Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Advocacy Committee.
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About the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association:
Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit heart.org/sne.