The American Heart Association’s annual event recognizes survivors and supporters
Kenneth Frazier
The American Heart Association, the world’s largest nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kenneth and Andréa Frazier as 2024 Heart of Philadelphia Honorees.
The Fraziers will be recognized at the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball on March 23 for their efforts in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond to address health equity with a focus on removing barriers for those most disproportionately impacted by heart disease and stroke.
A stroke survivor herself, Andréa is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the American Heart Association and a member of the Greater Philadelphia Board of Directors. Kenneth is the former CEO and executive chairman of the biopharmaceutical company Merck & Co, chairman of General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Initiatives and emeritus member of the American Heart Association’s National CEO Roundtable.
Andréa Frazier
“It is a privilege to have Ken and Andréa join us as honorees of this year’s Philadelphia Heart Ball,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, executive director for the American Heart Association in Greater Philadelphia. “Their commitment to the American Heart Association and the Philadelphia community runs deep, and their advocacy of our mission is inspiring. It is our honor to celebrate Ken and Andréa’s incredible impact and journey at our 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball as we also celebrate 100 years of the American Heart Association.”
The American Heart Association commemorates its centennial in 2024 – marking 100 years of scientific discovery and innovation. With bold hearts, the Association’s volunteers, supporters and staff forge ahead into the organization’s second century.
The Fraziers have provided anchor support for the American Heart Association’s targeted work within communities to improve blood pressure control, increase nutrition security and address the social determinants of health. In 2020, they launched the Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, which is focused on reducing the social and economic barriers to health equity, by investing in local social entrepreneurs, small businesses and community-based organizations. Also in 2020, they launched the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Education and Prevention, promoting the health of the community through a multi-faceted program aimed at reducing the number of strokes in Philadelphia.
“Our focus is health equity and ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to all,” Kenneth and Andréa said in a joint statement. “Our family’s personal journey with the American Heart Association and its mission has made us proud over the years and we are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award during such a cornerstone year in the American Heart Association’s history.”
The Philadelphia Heart Ball is a celebration of the Heart of Philadelphia campaign, a year-round movement to drive equitable health in Greater Philadelphia. The initiative raises funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Greater Philadelphia. Improving hypertension control, increasing nutrition security and removing barriers to CPR and AED education have been identified by the American Heart Association Greater Philadelphia board for 2024 to propel the work supporting the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal by reducing barriers to health care access and quality, with a focus on areas such as North and West Philadelphia.
Sponsored by Infor, Jefferson Health, Independence Blue Cross and NFI Industries, the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the National Constitution Center. The 67th annual event is a celebratory evening of storytelling, dinner, dancing, and exciting live and silent auctions. For more information on how to support or attend the Philadelphia Heart Ball, visit https://new.event.gives/880105 or contact Annette Weidenfeld at [email protected].