On the ninety-eighth anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association, leaders across Central Pennsylvania are making bold commitments to stand with the Association as it drives toward its 2024 Impact Goal which is focused on improving cardiovascular health for all while identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.
“Everyone, no matter where they live, deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life and the American Heart Association is committed to this goal locally central Pennsylvania” said Amy Adams, chair of the 2022 Central PA Heart Walk and CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley. “We’ve made tremendous progress in fighting heart disease and stroke, improving patient outcomes and helping more people live longer, healthier lives. We hope to accelerate the progress as the Association approaches its centennial anniversary.”
The American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists, and the distinguished achievements of the organization over nearly one hundred years are the result of the passion of more than 40 million volunteers, supporters and employees who together have raised – and funded — more than $4.8 billion in research
For nearly a century, the American Heart Association, has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves have helped transform the nation’s overall health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates.
Reaching for bold goals is made possible because of like-minded organizations who share in the vision of better health in central Pennsylvania. Every year, many companies pledge their support of donations, time, talent and funds, including UPMC and UPMC Health Plan, which have pledged their support through 2024.
Another bold commitment made by local leaders is the commitment to serve as chair for signature events. These chairpersons stepped up to help catapult the American Heart Association into achieving their 2024 Impact Goal and set a strong course toward the Association’s centennial year in 2024.
- William Caldwell, market president for Conemaugh Health System, as 2022 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball chair.
- Tommi Burchfield, strategic partnership manager at Personal Care Medical Associates, as 2022 Blair Go Red for Women chair.
- Amy Adams, CEO at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, as 2022 Central PA Heart Walk chair.
- Tiffany Tomlinson, unit director of the cardiac cath and electrophysiology labs and chest pain coordinator at UPMC Altoona, as 2023 Blair Go Red for Women chair.
Driving to achieve the 2024 Impact Goal, the American Heart Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate for federal, state and local policies drive healthier lifestyles.
To learn more about the American Heart Association visit, heart.org/FoundersDay.