Senator Franken nominates Advocate Gene Johnson for the Campaign for Public Health Foundation's Rock in the Pond Award!

Gene Johnson is a perfect example of someone who has committed his life and time to public health and education. After suffering Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) at the age of 63, Gene’s life was saved by a police officer’s automated external defibrillator (AED). Since this experience, Gene has worked tirelessly to advocate for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and automated external defibrillator (AED) placement.

Gene is currently President of the Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network, a non-profit, grassroots organization formed in 2003, with a mission to prevent loss of life from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. As the President, Gene travels around the state to train thousands of Minnesotans each year in CPR. He also reaches out to those who have survived SCA to provide support and education. As a long-time volunteer with the American Heart Association, he never misses an opportunity to teach the public about CPR and AEDs. In recognition of Gene’s lifesaving work and contributions throughout Minnesota, Gene deserves the Campaign for Public Health Foundation’s Rock in the Pond Award.