The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ nominees are dedicated to promoting health and hope for all by driving community fundraising and advocacy efforts.
WESTCHESTER, NY, November 4, 2024– The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why two Westchester/Fairfield leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in Westchester/Fairfield Counties 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 unwavering in its mission to eliminate cardiovascular disease and stroke, and initiatives like Leaders of Impact are key to making that vision a reality,” said Kristen Alouisa, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Westchester/Fairfield Counties. “This program not only brings together leaders and stakeholders from our community but also equips them with the tools and knowledge to directly impact health outcomes. By focusing on prevention, education and advocacy, we are creating tangible change and building a healthier future right here at home.”
Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched 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.
Westchester/Fairfield’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
- Eugenia Solache, Ph.D. in Leadership candidate, Carolina University. Eugenia is driven by a passion for lifelong learning and making a positive impact in people’s lives. As a post-graduate candidate, she is furthering her dedication to leadership development and organizational success.
- Melissa O’Connell, Business Development Manager, US Healthcare, Crown Castle. Melissa is a dedicated working mother with a strong commitment to healthcare and community well-being. For nearly two decades, she has focused on strengthening U.S. healthcare through strategic partnerships with health systems and academic institutions.
On Dec. 4, one nominee will be named the Westchester/Fairfield 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 mission is to improve and save lives, and we’re proud to have these dedicated leaders join us in advancing health equity right here in Westchester and Fairfield,” said Dawn French, the Association’s Chairperson of the Westchester/Fairfield Board. “By working together to break down barriers to equitable health, supporting innovative research and advocating for stronger health policies, the Leaders of Impact nominees are helping drive meaningful change. Their commitment is crucial to ensuring that everyone in our community can lead a longer, healthier life.”
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees, click HERE or contact Kristen Alouisa at Kristen.Alouisa@heart.org.
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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