(Anchorage) - Sen. Scott Ogan (R-Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) was back at the Providence Heart Center this Valentine's Day, but not for the same reasons as last year. He was there to honor the doctors and staff that saved not only his life, but also many lives every week.

Sen. Ogan, who suffered a heart attack a little less than a year ago, was rushed to the Providence Heart Center where he spent three weeks under the care of the hospital unit's skilled staff and the physicians of the Alaska Heart Institute. Earlier this week, the Legislature passed a citation honoring those men and women. Sen. Ogan presented that citation during a ceremony today in Anchorage.

"This citation was not presented only because of what they did for me," said Ogan. "I moved for this citation because I had an opportunity to see firsthand the kind of miracles these folks produce for so many Alaskans and their families.

The rural Mat-Su Senator says the level of commitment and dedication the professionals at the Alaska Heart Institute and Providence exude, is second to none.

"I don't believe I would have received any better care anywhere else in the world," Ogan said. "These professionals are in the business of giving people a second chance at life and I am truly 'living' proof."

Many of the doctors and staff that attended to Sen. Ogan were on hand for the presentation, including Dr. William Mayer of the Alaska Heart Institute, who said his entire staff was honored by the presentation.

"We are all very touched and very honored," said Mayer. "But mostly we are just very happy to see Scott is doing so well. We would like to thank him and the Legislature for this truly wonderful honor."

Sen. Ogan said that he hopes the attention given to his condition last year will encourage people to become more mindful of the health of their own heart - and lifestyle in general.

# # #