Our people Danielle Patterson

Danielle Patterson is a proud 18-year AHA employee, Danielle began her career at the AHA as a Government Relations Director in Indiana before becoming a Regional Lead, directing Michigan and Missouri in addition to her work lobbying at Indiana’s capitol. Danielle’s successful work in Indiana included better nutritional standards in schools, AED placement at fitness centers, CPR training in schools, Complete Streets in Evansville and Indianapolis; CPR requirements for 911 operators, maternal post-partum extension for Medicaid recipients, Self-Measured Blood Pressure policy for Medicaid recipients and numerous other community policies.

Prior to Danielle’s tenure at Heart, she managed a team of five at the Indiana’s Office of Minority Health. In this role, Danielle managed a $3M state program, secured funding from the US Department of HHS for the HIV/AIDS demonstration program which awarded mini-grants to churches and community organizations to develop HIV/AIDS Awareness programs. Danielle also secured funding from HHS for a State Partnership Project which included $40k to help local health departments meet the needs of the Latinx community. Danielle co-authored the 2001 Indiana Minority Health Report and the Healthy Indiana Minority Health Plan.

Danielle’s early career included Director of Marketing and Minority Affairs Information Specialist for the Indiana State Department of Health. Danielle also served in an elected official’s office as Press Secretary for the Mayor of Gary, Indiana.

A dedicated and accomplished community advocate, Danielle’s advocacy efforts have been recognized with honors including the 2021 The Honorable William “Bill Crawford” Minority Health Power Award presented by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, 2015 AHA Midwest Affiliate Health Strategies Award of Excellence,  2014 Recipient, Breakthrough Women 2014 – “We Rise and Create Change” Award in the field of Public Policy, presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, 2013 Recipient, Tony and Mary Hulman Health Achievement Award in the field of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, one of Indiana's premier health awards, honored by the Indiana Public Health Association, and the Indiana Public Health Foundation.

A proud caregiver, Danielle cares for her mom who is a stroke and three-time heart attack survivor. Danielle’s efforts to improve access to care and preventive services is personal, and she brings great care and passion to her advocacy work.