The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact nominees are driving efforts in scientific research, CPR education and health and hope for all
More than 61% of the U.S. population is expected to have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to projections from the American Heart Association[1]. As a result, related health costs are expected to triple to $1.8 trillion. Through the Leaders of Impact® campaign, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is mobilizing leaders across the country to use their networks to raise awareness and funds to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Launching on Sept. 17 and running through Nov. 4, leaders across the country will begin a seven-week competition to improve health outcomes in their communities. They will leverage their collective influence to educate people on the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and raise funds that are critical to drive pioneering scientific research and support health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.
New Hampshire’s 2026 Leaders of Impact Nominees are sisters who both suffered cardiac arrest in their 30s. Kayla Messana of Londonderry and Kendra Cunningham of Windham explain why sharing their stories is so important.
“As cardiac arrest survivors, we’re participating in the Leaders of Impact campaign because our own experiences showed us just how powerful CPR education and research can be. We want to use our story to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to expand CPR education, advance lifesaving research and ultimately help more people survive and thrive after a cardiac event.”
After seven weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on Nov. 4. The nominee who raises the most nationwide, will be named the American Heart Association’s National Leaders of Impact Winner.
“Leaders of Impact brings together leaders who are willing to use their influence for something bigger than themselves,” said Lindsay Colle, executive director for Northern New England, American Heart Association. “In just seven weeks, they’re driving real change in New Hampshire, funding research, improving access to care and building a healthier future for our community.”
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support New Hampshire’s nominees, visit this link.
[1] Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050—Prevalence of Risk Factors and Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association | Circulation