Southern New England American Heart Association shares 2024-2025 Gratitude & Impact Mission Report
Mission Statement: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
Driving Equitable Health for All
The American Heart Association has spent more than a century working to create a world where everyone can live a longer and healthier life. In Southern New England, this mission is alive in every community initiative, research breakthrough, and act of advocacy. The 2025 Year End Impact Report celebrates the remarkable achievements made possible by dedicated supporters, volunteers, and partners. To read the full report please click here.
From Rhode Island to Southeastern Massachusetts, the American Heart Association is leading the way in ensuring access to lifesaving care and prevention resources. The focus is on meeting people where they are—improving nutrition security, increasing access to mental well-being support, reducing chronic disease, advancing women’s health, and addressing the risks of tobacco and vaping.
Transforming Care with Science
Through programs like Get With The Guidelines® and Mission: Lifeline®, hospitals across the region have been recognized for aligning patient care with the latest research-based guidelines. These efforts mean that individuals experiencing heart disease or stroke receive the most effective, up-to-date treatment possible.
In the past year alone, more than one million dollars in research funding was awarded in Rhode Island, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries that will save and improve lives for generations.
Empowering Communities
Community outreach remains at the heart of the American Heart Association’s work. Faith institutions, food pantries, and local organizations have gained access to automated external defibrillators, CPR training, and blood pressure monitoring programs. These resources are creating a stronger chain of survival and fostering healthier neighborhoods.
Educational initiatives like the Kids Heart Challenge and the American Heart Challenge reached more than 20,000 students and families, teaching the warning signs of stroke and the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR.
Advocacy in Action
The American Heart Association worked alongside coalition partners to protect public health. Efforts included defeating legislation that would have allowed flavored electronic cigarettes back into the market, improving paid family leave, and securing funding to strengthen early childhood education programs.
Celebrating Community Champions
Events such as the Southern New England Heart Ball, Go Red for Women Luncheon, and Heart Walk not only raised vital funds—over one million dollars collectively—but also brought together survivors, advocates, and leaders committed to a shared vision of healthier lives for all.
Looking Ahead
With major events on the horizon, including the Heart of Southern New England Gala and next year’s Heart Walk, the American Heart Association is poised to build on this momentum. The continued support of donors, volunteers, and advocates will ensure that lifesaving research, education, and advocacy efforts reach more people and create lasting change.
The work is far from over, but the path forward is filled with hope. Every voice, every gift, and every action bring the American Heart Association closer to a future free of heart disease and stroke.