TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 14, 2025 — Two new members have joined the American Heart Association’s 2025-2026 Statewide Advocacy Committee, led by chairperson Yvette Lowery, DNP.
New members, Ernie Withers of Bradenton and Jana Bonassi of Winter Haven, have personal experiences with cardiac arrest, and are proud to advocate for policies that can improve heart and brain health for Floridians.
“My life was saved from cardiac arrest by the medical staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates during a spring training event,” Withers said. “The staff immediately performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator. Given a second chance at life, I am dedicated to this cause to make sure all Floridians have the same chance to survive a cardiac arrest that I did.”
During Florida’s 2025 legislative session, the committee’s work was instrumental in the passage of HB 1607 Cardiac Emergencies, which requires Florida’s public schools to have regularly maintained AEDs on-campus, train middle school and high school students in first aid and CPR, and train select faculty and staff on the school’s response plan for cardiac emergencies, including CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Leading up to and during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, committee members will educate legislators on policy priorities, including funding for the new law established by HB 1607, Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitors and tobacco cessation medications and funding for state programs that help Floridians prevent and manage heart disease, hypertension, and related risk factors.
The 2025-2026 Florida Advocacy Committee members are:
- Chair, Yvette Lowery, DNP, MSN/Ed., (Jacksonville), Florida Regional Medical Center (emergency room)
- Lt. Latrecia Waters, (Jacksonville), Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
- Jana Bonassi, (Winter Haven), Author of “Heart of Hope”
- M. Dallas Cooke, DNP, (Jacksonville), Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
- Vice Chair, Crystal Collins Spencer, Esq. (Pensacola), Spencer Law
- Past Chair, Marsha Kiner (Gainesville), Children’s Trust of Alachua County
- Ernie Withers (Bradenton), Defibrillate Manatee Foundation
- John Mouw (Miami), Baptist Health South Florida
- Robert Sanchez, M.D. (St. Petersburg), The Heart Institute
“The expertise and personal experiences of this group are going to power meaningful work this year,” said Tiffany McCaskill Henderson, Florida government relations director for the American Heart Association. “I’m excited for the progress we’re going to make to improve health for all Floridians.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s policy work in Florida, visit HeartPowered.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
