Heart on the Hill A Success!

Wisconsin advocates gathered in Madison on February 9, 2012 for our first Heart on the Hill Lobby Day. The event focused on ensuring all babies born in Wisconsin are tested for congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry prior to hospital discharge.

More than 40 advocates from across the state, including nurses and doctors from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and UW Health, representatives from Mended Little Hearts, survivors and caregivers and many passionate volunteers, attended the event and helped share the American Heart Association mission and legislative priorities with Wisconsin legislators.

Attendees began the day hearing volunteer Melanie Moody’s story about her son Aidan (watch Aidan’s story here). Dr. John Hokanson, a cardiologist from UW Hospital and Amy Basken, from Mended Little Hearts and also a member of the AHA Wisconsin Advocacy Committee member, provided attendees with an issue briefing and background on pulse oximetry. Then advocates received a brief refresher on the legislative process in Wisconsin and were provided easy tips on talking to legislators. Finally, the group spent the afternoon meeting with their lawmakers, seeking their support on pulse oximetry screening for newborns.

Check out more photos of the event on our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/AmerHeartWisc

Also, the issue garnered a lot of media coverage. Be sure to check out the following stories:

Amy Basken on WKOW27 from February 5

Van Wie Family on NBC15 from February 11

Melanie Mooney & Dr. Hokanson on WKOW27 from February 13 & 14

Pulse Ox featured in Wisconsin State Journal from July 12