In addition to her dedication to heart-health as AHA's Central Kentucky Board President, over the course of the last year, Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl (far left with Governor Beshear and AHA staff, Starr Block and Tonya Chang at Stroke Bill signing) has become a key volunteer and spokesperson for the Smoke-Free Kentucky Campaign.

On Kentucky Advocacy Day, February 14th, Sylvia conducted several interviews with the media in support of House Bill 289, the Smoke-Free Kentucky Act and was featured in KY radio and newspaper coverage. In addition to her presence on Advocacy Day, over the course of the session, Dr. Cerel-Suhl provided expert testimony before the House Health and Welfare Committee on the issue and was instrumental in getting the bill voted out of committee for the first time. Interviews with Dr. Cerel-Suhl and Representative Westrom that day reached local media throughout the state in radio, TV and newspapers. In fact, brief coverage went national, including NPR, and even international with the Times of India.

The American Heart Association and the entire Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition are honored to work side-by-side with her as we seek passage of a comprehensive statewide law to prohibit smoking in public places and workplaces. With passionate volunteers like Sylvia, we're confident we'll get there.