Paiva Weed honored by American Heart Association

PROVIDENCE – The American Heart Association recognized Rhode Island Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed for her commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke at an award ceremony at the Statehouse on May 25.

Paiva Weed was presented with the 2016 Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award, a “lifetime achievement” award given for outstanding leadership to advance the mission of the American Heart Association – building healthier lives, free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Paiva Weed, the Rhode Island Senate president since 2009, was chosen for her leadership and commitment to children’s health in Rhode Island, according to the American Heart Association statement. The nonprofit organization recognized Paiva Weed as a champion for RIte Care and a longtime proponent of quality health care for the state’s children and families who helped pave the way for strong school nutrition standards and healthy school environments. Protecting children from the dangers of both tobacco and electronic cigarettes, she has supported initiatives to ensure that all high school students receive CPR training.

“The American Heart Association is very appreciative of Senate President Paiva Weed’s efforts and partnership… We are thrilled to recognize … [her] lifetime achievement as a champion for children’s health and we congratulate her on receiving this very well-deserved award,” said Tracey A. Kennedy in a statement.

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“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 Statehouse. We look forward to continuing our work together as we strive to build a healthier generation and a healthier Rhode Island,” Megan Tucker, director of government relations at the American Heart Association, said in a statement.

Established in 2010, the Tracey A. Kennedy Leadership in Advocacy Award, is named for one of the American Heart Association’s most passionate advocates. A resident of South Kingstown, Kennedy is a stroke survivor whose commitment to advancing the American Heart Association’s mission through meaningful policy change at the state and federal levels is unparalleled. Kennedy received 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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