Leading Heart Health Advocacy

Living with Heart Disease

People feel inspired when you talk about the topics you care about with passion. More so, people feel moved to take action when they see your dedication. Advocacy can show the tangible changes that your efforts make, and start a ripple effect of positive action. Our talk today is about leading heart health advocacy.

Welcome to Living with Heart Disease. Listen to the patients, support systems, and care providers who have resolved to become healthier. Join host Somaneh Bouba as we share challenges and triumphs. Discover what it means to survive and thrive with heart conditions.

Today’s main guest is Allyson Perron Drag. Allyson currently works as the Government Relations Director and Regional Lead for the American Heart/American Stroke Association for the last 15 years. Her role is to manage, plan, direct, and implement the advocacy programs to influence local, state, and national public issues related to the American Heart Association’s mission in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.

Anytime Allyson sees a problem her first reaction is to question how to fix the problem. Her heart health advocacy extends to related concerns such as tobacco policy, postpartum care, and food security. At this time, Allyson has won several awards for her role as Government Relations Director, including Lobbyist of the Year, Beacon Hill’s Most Beautiful, Coach of the Year, and The Blake Cady Award for Leadership in Tobacco Control. All the progress inspires Allyson to continue her commitment towards solving systemic and behavioral issues within society.

During this live discussion, we speak about what it takes to pass a policy. Lobbying is a group effort. Allyson shares how policies are built and changed with help from people active in the issues. In advocacy, there is a balance between taking a break and working towards progress. Everyone participating in their own way, when they can, fuels the campaigns moving heart health support forward.

Allyson focuses on building heart health support during and after incidents, but she also encourages more investment into preventive healthcare. Listen as we talk about the journey behind the advocacy programs Allyson leads to influence local, state, and national public issues related to Heart Health. Enjoy this conversation that reminds us to use our voice for positive advocacy.

Timestamps:

[02:14] - Allyson Perron Drag is an advocate for heart and stroke patients.

[04:33] - Allyson talks about progress made on tobacco policy and reducing the consumption of sugary drinks.

[10:51] - Allyson describes troubles around stroke incidents in the commonwealth.

[15:46] - How did Allyson get into heart health advocacy?

[19:38] - Allyson talks about passing new policies and she answers questions from the live audience.

[27:42] - How does Allyson keep herself motivated to continue her work?

[37:24] - Are there new policies Allyson is working on? She talks about school food, postpartum care, and more.

[42:16] - The cost of living is causing unnecessary complications. What are Allyson’s thoughts?

[50:00] - Advocacy can show the tangible changes that your efforts make.

[52:38] - Let’s talk about the connection between cardiovascular health and mental health.

[57:16] - Figure out something positive to advocate for.

Links/ Resources:

Allyson Perron Drag

Twitter

Heart of a Giant

Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF)

Heart of a Giant on Heart-Failure.Net