Rep. Betsy Ritter, Ryan Gomes, Rep. Bryan Hurlburt |
Speaks to Legislators in Support of AED Legislation
Minnesota Timberwolves player and Waterbury native Ryan Gomes joined the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) and American Heart Association (AHA) on April 23, for a joint press conference on proposed legislation related to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Gomes became interested in the issue after learning about the death of a player who played for his former AAU Coach. Gomes started Hoops for Heart Health in 2005. This foundation raises awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of having an AED. Gomes donates an AED in each NBA city in which he plays, with the home team often matching the donation.
Gomes met with legislators who have supported AED legislation, including Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, Rep. Betsy Ritter, and Sen. Jonathan Harris. “If we can get this bill passed, and make sure every school has an AED, there won’t have to be tragedies and families who have to mourn over someone who could have been saved by an AED”, Gomes told legislators. Gomes, along with Representatives of CATA, AHA, and other AED advocates, spoke with Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan, and Majority Leader Rep. Denise Merrill after the press event. The group then headed over to the Capitol and met with Lt. Governor Michael Fedele. Gomes also had a brief chat with Governor Jodi Rell after a chance encounter as he left the building.
The CATA and AHA would like to extend their gratitude to Ryan Gomes for his advocacy on the issue of sudden cardiac arrest and AEDs, as well as his support for SB 981, “An Act Concerning the Availability of Automatic External Defibrillators in Schools” and SB 1089, “An Act Concerning Automatic External Defibrillators.” Both bills are expected to reach the Senate floor in the next two weeks.
Press release April 23, 2009 Ryan Gomes Press Conference
Link to CTN archive of Gomes press conference on April 23, 2009
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