Our Mission
The Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT), under the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania, is a statewide coalition that educates the public and elected officials about clean indoor air, tobacco taxes, and other critical tobacco control issues. PACT is primarily funded by a grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Members of PACT include tobacco control advocates, healthcare professionals, government agencies, community leaders, business owners, and the general public.
PACT was founded in 2001 by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and American Lung Association. For over 20 years, PACT has worked with local coalitions, regional contractors, and national health organizations to strengthen tobacco control laws across Pennsylvania that can prevent youth from initiating tobacco use, help people who use tobacco quit, and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. PACT develops educational materials to share with legislators and community members, provides training for members on advocacy strategies and tobacco control issues, and supports the Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU), Pennsylvania’s youth-led tobacco control movement.
Our Staff
Aimee Van Cleave
Advocacy Director | Pennsylvania & West Virginia
Aimee Van Cleave comes to the American Lung Association after a long and successful career working on political campaigns doing grassroots organizing, staff development, strategic mobilization, and leadership training. She also brings experience both as a lobbyist and working in the State Legislature in her home state of Wyoming. She has a Masters degree in International Human Rights from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Guatemala.
Aimee is an avid reader who loves hiking with her dog and traveling with her spouse.
Amber Fields
Specialist | Advocacy
Amber Fields has a combined 15 years of experience as an early education teacher and advocate along with being a family advocate and family support specialist. She earned her Strength Based Family Worker credential through Temple University. Amber has experience with implementing grass roots programs to work with at risk families such as the Ready for School, Ready to Succeed project during her time at the United Way of the Capital Region. The program focuses on preparing children academically and socially for school. Amber’s role was to manage the program, raise money and awareness of the program by educating local legislators, stakeholders, and community leaders.
Amber has dedicated her life to her son and to be an advocate for change for at risk families across Pennsylvania.
Julia McAfee
Specialist | Health Promotion
Julia McAfee is the Health Promotion Specialist for the American Lung Association. She earned her certificate as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and has since utilized that expertise in her previous roles as a health educator and program coordinator in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Julia, a self-starter, has had the opportunity to initiate a brand-new program in the Pittsburgh region, teaching, implementing, and coordinating a wellness curriculum to underserved students. She continues to pursue her passion for health equity by advocating for equal access to health education and healthcare and promoting awareness specifically to the youth.
Julia enjoys time with family and traveling abroad to experience new cultures and create unforgettable memories.
Annmarie Brady
Specialist | Health Promotion
Annmarie Brady is a Health Promotion Specialist on the PACT team. Her experience includes community outreach and engagement to increase awareness of public health issues and make healthy options accessible within diverse communities. She is especially passionate about supporting the health, well-being, and futures of youth through community collaboration and empowerment. Annmarie is dedicated to her continuing education and developing new skills. She has a Master of Public Health degree from Western Kentucky University and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.
In her free time, Annmarie enjoys teaching indoor cycling classes, running, and exploring the outdoors.
