Leadership from TowneBank and Riverside Health join forces to address the maternal health crisis facing women of all ages and stages in Hampton Roads
TowneBank selected Riverside Health as recipients of over 100 Anytime Infant CPR kits to be distributed throughout the communities to new families. The American Heart Association’s updated Infant CPR Anytime Training Kit contains everything needed to learn the lifesaving skills of infant CPR, choking relief, and injury prevention in about 30 minutes from the comfort of home, work, or in a large community setting. This personal learning program offers an easy and effective training tool for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, and anyone caring for an infant.
TowneBank leadership, representatives from the American Heart Association, and Riverside Health leaders including CEO and President Dr. Mike Dacey came together for an official kit presentation, signifying the importance of community collaboration to address the latest health needs in Hampton Roads.
“The mission of the American Heart Association is deeply personal for me, and it’s been a true honor for TowneBank to partner for the Go Red for Women campaign and the distribution of the Infant CPR Anytime Training Kits,” said Alexis Swann, President of TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg and immediate past Go Red for Women co-chair. “Being able to influence the health of the women and their families across the Hampton Roads community is a priority. Our health matters and the more education and resources we can provide, the better.” To add a personal touch, leaders from TowneBank gathered to add handwritten notes to each kit for new families to read upon receiving.
“Riverside Health is committed to meeting the needs of the communities we serve, so we’re grateful to be the distributor of the Anytime Infant CPR kits provided by TowneBank through their support of the American Heart Association,” said Dr. Dacey. “Our mission is to care for others as we would care for those we love, and we are looking forward to doing so especially through this year’s American Heart Association Hampton Roads Go Red for Women campaign chaired by Adria Vanhoozier, President, Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg.”
“As an organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, the support we’re receiving locally from CVS Health will directly help us invest in improving maternal health outcomes for historically marginalized areas in Hampton Roads by addressing the conditions most often associated with maternal mortality,” said Megan Buchholz, American Heart Association Hampton Roads Community Impact Director for Maternal Health. “To have prominent community staples such as TowneBank and Riverside Health come alongside our work is an invaluable asset to the families that live, work, pray and play in Hampton Roads.”
The U.S. has one of the worst maternal mortality rates among developed countries, and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Cardiovascular disease is in large part the reason behind these alarming statistics. Black women pay the highest price, followed by Native American, Asian and Hispanic women. The American Heart Association Hampton Roads was one of two markets across the U.S. selected as a recipient of a $500,000 grant from CVS Health Foundation, to implement a community-based approach to addressing hypertension, a key risk factor in the No. 1 killer of new moms. This provides the ability to increase local advocacy efforts for more equitable health care and close the gaps in education, resources, and support.
Less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have optimal cardiovascular health. Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world that addresses that alarming reality and much more. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the 2024-2025 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Riverside Health, Bon Secours Hampton Roads, TowneBank, and Goodman and Sons Jewelers. Tables and early bird tickets are on sale now. For more information on sponsorship and the event contact Susan Claesson at 708-469-9389 or visit www.heart.org/hamptonroadsgored.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About TowneBank
Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus on serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.
Now celebrating 25 years, TowneBank operates 51 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, as well as Northeastern and Central North Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. Towne has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its affiliated companies that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, and Towne Vacations. With total assets of $17.07 billion as of June 30, 2024, TowneBank is one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.
For Media Inquiries:
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org