Stacey Greenway, the executive director of primary care service line at ECU Health Medical Center, recently attended her 11th Day on the Hill as a representative for the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Her role, in collaboration with other AACVPR members from across the country, is to visit Washington, D. C. and advocate for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation with members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate. This year’s visit, which occurred March 3 – 4, marked her first as incoming president of the AACVPR, a three-year term that signifies her ongoing commitment to her profession and to her advocacy for patients in eastern North Carolina.
Greenway first attended a board meeting, followed by a kickoff meeting for anyone coming to represent the AACVPR. “We’re given background information about the bills, explaining what we’re going to talk about and the issues we’re presenting,” Greenway said. “It’s also a time to remind participants to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, be ready to go through security and other logistical topics.”
On Tuesday, Greenway said she had nine appointments scheduled every 15 to 30 minutes. “We talk to legislators from both the House and the Senate,” she said. “The meetings are about 10-15 minutes long and address issues that impact patients in eastern North Carolina and beyond. By the end of the day, we had our spiel down pat. It’s really fast-paced.”
In addition to her own advocacy efforts, Greenway attended the meetings with two additional colleagues from North Carolina. “There was me, someone from Wilmington and another individual from the Triangle area representing North Carolina. The person from Wilmington is new, so this was a chance to show her the process.” Greenway said this is key because it can be intimidating to step into an advocacy role, but the torch needs to be passed on to the next generation. “I reminded them they are the experts in their field, and they have the stories and passion to be there. It’s important to bring new people along so when you’re ready to retire or move on to the next thing, you can know things are taken care of.”
Greenway’s role as incoming president has also given her the opportunity to sit in on and participate in weekly calls with the outgoing president and the AACVPR director, where they go through what’s happening in the organization, including invitations to studies and changes in the organization.
“Advocacy is a big part of what we do,” Greenway explained. “But research and education, as well as support for the people who do that work, are also parts.”
This includes a new training program for future leaders in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, something the organization started last year in an effort to ensure everyone in their field stays current so they can best support their patients.
Having a seat at the table is a big part of this work, and Greenway said she’s just a small part of the great work the organization does. “As treasurer, I was introduced to the financial aspect and the fiscal responsibility of being on the board. Now as incoming president, I am part of the conversations and learning what’s being discussed. It allows me to understand the bigger picture and come alongside fellow board members in following through on initiatives we decide upon as an organization. I want to represent the organization and honor our mission.”
Greenway emphasized that the work she and others do within the AACVPR is something she loves but is also important to her profession. She also wants others to know that anyone can make a change. “You don’t have to be an expert, but if you’re passionate about what you do, you can help your profession so you can do your work and serve your patients,” she said. “If there’s something you want to change, you can take action.”