Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Experts Named to American Heart Association State Advocacy Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2006
CONTACT: Suzanna Cisneros Martinez, suzanna.martinez@ttuhsc.edu
(806) 743-2143



LUBBOCK – Two Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center experts have been named to the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate State Advocacy Committee. Thomas Tenner Jr., Ph.D., interim associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Development, and David Porras Jr., managing director of Administrative Services for the Health Sciences Center in El Paso, began their term this month.

Among Texas residents, cardiovascular disease claimed 53,907 lives in 2002. The leading cause of death in Texas since 1940, it accounts for one out of every four deaths.

The AHA board approved the creation of this committee with the goal of having a structured group of volunteers that can help craft their legislative message and engage elected officials with the mission of the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association had one of its most successful sessions during the 79th regular session with the creation of a statewide stroke plan, a pilot project for rural emergency dispatch, along with other issues. With the creation of this committee and the support of this key group of volunteers, Tenner and Porras hope to build on those successes and continue with the elimination of heart disease and stroke.
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