The American Heart Association (AHA) is putting Butler County residents under lock and key!

On February 21, 2001 the AHA along with the Volunteer Cardiac Arrest "Parole Board" will be holding its first annual Cardiac Arrest.

This event will be held at the Courthouse Annex from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Cardiac Arrest "Parole Board" member, Jill Stallworth, says the Butler County Cardiac Arrest combines fund raising and fun into one event.

"A group of citizens will be charged at the Cardiac Arrest for crimes of the heart."

In order to be released, the arrestees must post bail," said Mrs. Stallworth.

"Arrestees consent to participate in this event and raise their bail prior to the event date.

The day of the event is just a lot of fun," she continued.

"Judge Heartless" will provide lots of laughs as arrestees are sentenced in his courtroom.

The purpose of this event is to acquire donations which will assist the American Heart Association in its fight to reduce death and disability due to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease is the Number One Killer in America and stroke is the Number Three Killer.

According to Mrs. Stallworth, "the Southeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association supports over $9.7 million in valuable biomedical research to universities in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi including grants to various schools of medicine and teaching hospitals.

The American Heart Association has also developed useful educational programs targeted toward all ages in order to teach them how to combat heart and blood vessel diseases."

Mrs. Stallworth also stated, "The work done by AHA research has led to advanced cardiovascular medicine in areas that include blood pressure medication, surgical procedures, nutritional standards and exercise modification."

The Cardiac Arrest "Parole Board" hopes to reach a goal of $12,000 this year to help support AHA research, education and community service programs to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The years Cardiac Arrest Parole Board members include: Jill Stallworth, Margie Kelley, Jeddo Bell, Cindy Faulk, Susan Nolan, Joyce Murphy, Nancy Idland, Ann Daughtry, Carol Lee, Charlene Powell, Angel Stacey and Kathy Murphy.

Ralph Stacey will serve as "Judge Heartless".