The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ nominees work to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere through community fundraising and philanthropy
LONG ISLAND, NY, October 17, 2024– The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why four Long Island leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents on Long Island by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness. According to the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, health inequities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can impact 80% of health outcomes. [1]
“The American Heart Association is continuing the pursuit of a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, through community-based efforts such as Leaders of Impact,” said Tara Schneider, Executive Director of Development & Community Health. “This program allows Long Island leaders and stakeholders to be a part of the solution to changing health outcomes and raise the profile of ways that we can create healthier lives right here at home.”
Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launches in more than 150 cities across the country on October 17, 2024. At the beginning of the campaign, hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide will take part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program leveraging their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.
Long Island’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
- Aki Goldberg, Aki’s Kitchen, a home-based kitchen offering wholesome soups, salads and sweets, thoughtfully prepared with a focus on health and wellness.
- Carly Hariton, Charlotte Lane Media, a digital marketing and social media strategy firm serving both established brands and startups.
- Dawn Watson, Serhant Realty, a real estate firm specializing in marketing and luxury property sales, serving both high-profile clients and emerging buyers.
- Maria Bertoglio, Keller Williams Realty, a real estate company offering services and solutions, supporting both seasoned professionals and new buyers.
On Dec. 4, one nominee will be named the Long Island 2024 Leaders of Impact winner. In addition to the local community winners, one changemaker identified from across the country will also be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.
“At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. We are thrilled that these leaders have joined us in our relentless efforts to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere but especially on Long Island,” said Kathleen Stanley, Long Island Board Chair. “We are committed to removing barriers to equitable health through our work in communities, supporting groundbreaking scientific research and advocating for healthy policies. The Leaders of Impact nominees are playing a pivotal role in driving change and ensuring that all people can live healthier lives.”
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees, click HERE.
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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 organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] [1] Social Determinants of Health – Healthy People 2030 | health.gov
[2] Social Determinants of Risk and Outcomes for Cardiovascular Disease (ahajournals.org)
[3] RWJF: County Health Rankings Model
[4] RWJF: County Health Rankings Model
[5] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
[6] Food Insecurity | Healthy People 2020