-
Pioneering cardiovascular geneticist honored with 2026 Population Research Prize
Leading cardiovascular geneticist, Pradeep Natarajan, M.D., M.M.Sc., FAHA, received the 2026 Population Research Prize from the American Heart Association during the Presidential Session at the 99th Annual Scientific Sessions. Dr. Natarajan is internationally recognized for using human genetics and data from large, diverse populations to transform the understanding and prevention of cardiovascular disease. His research … Read more
-
Impact in Action: Connecticut’s Year of Progress
Dear Friends, At the American Heart Association, every milestone is made possible by the dedication of volunteers, donors, and advocates who share our vision of a world of longer, healthier lives. Over the past year, we advanced that vision across Connecticut through innovative programs, strategic investments and community partnerships that are improving health and strengthening … Read more
-
Dr. Jennifer Lawton of University of Maryland honored with the 2026 Basic Research Prize
For patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery, protecting the heart and brain can be just as important as repairing the heart itself. For decades, Dr. Jennifer S. Lawton has been working to better understand how to do just that. Her pioneering research into heart and brain protection during cardiac surgery has earned her the American Heart … Read more
-
Dr. Lawrence J. Appel honored for decades of heart health research with 2026 Research Achievement Award
For decades, Dr. Lawrence J. Appel has helped change the way we understand one of the most powerful tools for managing blood pressure: the food we eat. This year, the internationally recognized nutrition and hypertension researcher received the American Heart Association’s 2026 Research Achievement Award, recognizing a career of research that has helped turn nutrition … Read more
-
Goodwin University Magnet School System superintendent named to council championing health in schools
Salvatore Menzo supports critical work to improve student well-being through the Eastern States Superintendent Council Salvatore Menzo, Ed.D, superintendent of Goodwin University Magnet School System in East Hartford, is working with the American Heart Association and other superintendents across the Northeast region to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Twenty-two superintendents … Read more
-
World Stroke Day: Two Women Reclaiming Their Lives After Stroke
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death1 and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S. Even so, many strokes can be prevented, treated and overcome with the right information and care. October 29 is World Stroke Day. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Bonni Brodnick and Annie Reardon’s stories … Read more
-
New members, including a New Hampshire superintendent, join initiative championing health in schools across the Northeast
Superintendents support critical work to improve student well-being through the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council Superintendents across the Northeast region are working with the American Heart Association to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Twenty-two superintendents were selected to serve as volunteer leaders of the American Heart Association’s Eastern … Read more
-
Central Virginia | CPR | Richmond | Uncategorized | Virginia
A cardiac arrest turned a stranger into a family friend
Richmond resident John Jenks rescued by an untrained bystander after collapsing On a peaceful morning, John Jenks went out on his routine ride to watch the sunrise. One moment, Jenks was riding his bike across the Nickel Bridge in Richmond, Virginia. The next, he woke up in the hospital, unable to recall what happened. Unbeknownst … Read more
-
A night of hope and heart at the Southern New England Heart Ball
The ballroom lights glowed softly across the Omni Providence Hotel as more than three hundred guests took their seats. Around the room were physicians and business leaders, longtime volunteers and first-time supporters, survivors and loved ones carrying stories they never expected to tell. All shared one belief, that together more lives can be saved from … Read more
-
As heart disease continues to impact New Hampshire women, Go Red for Women inspires action and hope
New Hampshire Go Red for Women Chair Jonathan Eddinger, MD, calls on women to prioritize heart health and join a growing movement dedicated to improving outcomes and saving lives Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in New Hampshire and across the United States. Despite the threat of CVD, fewer than … Read more
-
Local bank president to lead 2027 Maine Heart Walk and push for CPR readiness
Brian J. King joins the American Heart Association in engaging companies in Southern Maine to create a community of lifesavers According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially if performed immediately — can … Read more
-
Connecticut families can make Halloween healthier with these tips
The American Heart Association shares simple ways to add healthy choices to Halloween fun With Halloween and trick-or-treat festivities just days away, the American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is sharing tips to help Connecticut families enjoy a safe and healthy holiday. For the trick-or-treater: For the party … Read more
-
Collaboration with Mission NOVA brings blood pressure screenings to even more community members in need
This year, Mission NOVA and the American Heart Association collaborated to expand heart health support for the organization’s community. Mission NOVA serves low-income individuals and families across Northern Virginia who are experiencing poverty, food insecurity and housing instability. Through its food and clothing distribution pantry, ESL classes, computer training, parenting education, legal aid, social services, … Read more
-
Philadelphia executive leads efforts to improve women’s heart health
Amanda Bruno to chair the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia 2026-2027Go Red for Women initiative According to recent American Heart Association projections, by 2050, almost 60% of women could have high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the No. 1 killer of women, but it doesn’t have to be.[1] The American Heart Association, a relentless force … Read more
-
A Lifetime of Turning Challenge Into Change: Rev. Dr. Albert Whitaker Honored for Decades of Service
For more than three decades, Rev. Dr. Albert Whitaker has dedicated his life to helping others overcome barriers, improve their health and find hope in the face of adversity. This fall, the American Heart Association recognized that extraordinary legacy, presenting Whitaker with the 2026 Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award at the Southern New England Heart … Read more
-
Meet Kelly Goodman: healthcare leader, survivor and advocate
Despite being a medical professional herself, when something was wrong with her heart, Kelly Goodman had to fight to be heard. In the early 2010s, Goodman was in her late 30s. She was healthy and active, running 12 miles each week, but conscious of the risk of heart disease posed by her family’s history. Many … Read more
-
Laura Smith and Tim Brightbill return as co-chairs for the Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk
Local consultant Laura Smith and attorney Tim Brightbill are returning to co-chair the American Heart Association’s Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk for a third time this spring. Although founded by lawyers, Lawyers Have Heart has grown into a community-wide celebration of movement and mission. This annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk provides … Read more
-
Mother of young stroke survivor and community leader to co-chair 79th Annual An Affair of the Heart
Christina Treacy and Jenn Mastran have been named co-chairs for An Affair of the Heart Luncheon & Fashion Show, in its 79th year on February 19, 2027. Christina Treacy is a native of Harrisburg, Pa., and a graduate of the University of Virginia, where she earned a B.A. in Rhetoric and Communication Studies. She recently … Read more
-
New blood pressure screening station will serve Ward 8 residents
This World Heart Day, observed on September 29, 2026, the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Kingdom Pharmacy, with support from Bank of America unveiled a new blood pressure screening station in Washington, D.C.’s Congress Heights neighborhood. Heart disease is the number one cause of death nationwide and in the District, with Ward 8 … Read more
-
Informed consumers, prepared bystanders, healthy kids and tobacco-free communities: our 2026-2027 advocacy agenda
Here’s what we’re advocating for in the Greater Washington Region and how you can get involved Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Va. made headlines for ranking among 2026’s healthiest cities in the United States. Individual behaviors like exercise, healthy eating, sleeping and nonsmoking were major contributors. However, gaps remain. 36% of people in the DMV region … Read more
-
Meeting New Yorkers Where They Are: Advancing Heart Health and Healthy Aging with Grand Street Settlement
Operating throughout the Lower East Side, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, Grand Street Settlement is an organization serving over 19,000 New Yorkers citywide through essential early childhood, youth, and older adult programs. Through these services, individuals are connected to a network of community partners and resources improving their overall health and well-being. One of these programs … Read more
-
Eduardo Ortiz returns as chair of 2026-27 Heart of Greater Washington Campaign
The American Heart Association welcomes Eduardo Ortiz’s return as chair of the Heart of Greater Washington campaign, a year-round initiative that brings together individuals and organizations across the D.C. metro area to raise funds for cardiovascular research, prevention and education. The campaign will culminate in the Heart Ball, scheduled for March 13, 2027, at the … Read more
-
His daughter saved his life with CPR, turning the whole family into advocates for heart-saving education
In May 2025, Carla Cernigliaro and her husband, Adam Malinauskas were packing for a trip when Adam suddenly collapsed. Carla yelled for her daughter, Lauren, who was in the other room, to call 911. Thanks to skills she learned as a high school graduation requirement, Lauren, who was a sophomore in high school at the … Read more
-
Hartford executive leads efforts to improve women’s heart health
Jennifer Berry of The Cigna Group to chair the American Heart Association’s Greater Hartford 2027 Go Red for Women initiative According to recent American Heart Association projections, by 2050, almost 60% of women could have high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the No. 1 killer of women, but it doesn’t have to be.[1] The … Read more
-
Buffalo Heart Walk returns with aim to make one person per household CPR-ready
According to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, approximately 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest each year — most often outside a hospital. Bystander CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, yet fewer than half receive it, highlighting a critical gap … Read more
-
Three Greater Washington Region leaders advocate for health and raise funds critical for fighting heart disease
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 Association1 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 … Read more
-
Cardiac arrest survivors, sisters advocate for health and raise funds critical for fighting heart disease
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 … Read more
-
I Got Lucky. The Next Person Shouldn’t Have to Rely on Chance.
by Jordan Schoen You could say that December 27, 2017, wasn’t the best day for me. It started like any other day. I had a high school basketball game over the holiday break in Pelham, New York. I remember waking up, getting dressed, hopping on the bus with my teammates and getting mentally ready for … Read more
-
Cooper family to receive 2027 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. Award as Philadelphia Heart Ball celebrates 70 years of impact
Celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Edward S. Cooper and the generations of leadership, service and community impact carried forward by the Cooper Family. The enduring legacy of Edward S. Cooper, M.D. will be honored through the presentation of the 2027 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. Award to the Cooper Family. The recognition celebrates not only Cooper’s extraordinary achievements, but also the generations of leadership, … Read more
-
How a Heart Attack Inspired “Dad’s Heart”
by Jeffrey Berger, MD Photos courtesy of Jeff and Brian Berger. On April 8, 2018, I had a heart attack. I was at the gym that morning, a place I went to regularly, doing what I thought were all the right things. I ate well, I exercised and I had no reason to expect anything … Read more
-
JPMorganChase executive to spearhead women’s health movement in New York City
Jeanine Carlucci to chair the American Heart Association’s New York City 2026-27 Go Red for Women® movement NEW YORK, NY, September 9, 2026 – According to recent American Heart Association projections, nearly 6 in 10 women in the U.S. will have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the next 25 years. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the No. 1 … Read more
-
After completing historic pilgrimage, DC-area walking group sets sights on the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
On November 7, thousands of people will come together in support of the American Heart Association at the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, which hosts hundreds of community teams of supporters from all walks of life. One such team is the Wisdom Walkers. Powered by the mantra that “every step changes lives,” 10 members of the Wisdom Walkers, a community dedicated to healthy aging through fitness and … Read more
-
30 hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania recognized for advancing quality care for heart disease, stroke
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program supports evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients nationwide PHILADELPHIA, August 31, 2026 — 30 hospitals across Southeastern Pennsylvania are being recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Nationwide, more than 3,000 hospitals take … Read more
-
Remembering Danny: A Life of Service, Heart, and Lasting Impact
There are some people whose presence makes every room brighter. Daniel Kuruvilla, affectionately known as Danny, was one of those people. Danny built a successful and respected career at Scotiabank, where he contributed across multiple functions, serving as a Business Analyst, Business Continuity Analyst, and Information Technology Analyst. Throughout his career, he earned the admiration … Read more
-
From patient to pioneer: How Greg Ruf turned a family heart story into a mission for others
Growing up in Williamstown, West Virginia, Greg Ruf was the picture of health. As a teenager, he excelled in distance running and loved competition. In the spring of his senior year of high school, he was training for the state track meet when everything changed. His heart suddenly began racing uncontrollably. Ruf was an athlete. … Read more
-
Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge equip Delaware students with lifesaving skills
Newark, Del., Aug. 27, 2026 — More than 350,000 people in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and approximately 23,000 are children. The first critical moments of a medical emergency, the people nearby are most likely family members, educators, coaches or even other students, and many have never been … Read more
-
“Queen of Hearts” Evelyn Smith brings her heart journey to DC
Evelyn Smith’s heart journey started the day she was born – Valentine’s Day, 2001. Diagnosed with a heart murmur, and becoming the third generation of women in her family touched by heart disease, she learned the importance of taking care of her heart early. Her grandparents gave her the nickname “Queen of the Hearts” and through a lifetime of advocacy, she’s earned the … Read more
-
Steve Hull of Leidos to chair 2026 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
Steve Hull, president of Leidos Digital, has been named chair of the 2026 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The Heart Walk will take place November 7, 2026, at the National Mall and it will bring together thousands of walkers and hundreds of teams of local companies, organizations and community groups, including survivors, health leaders, advocates and supporters of the American Heart Association’s mission. This year’s event … Read more
-
Philadelphia’s health organizations unite to take down high blood pressure
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Jefferson Health join Penn Medicine, Temple Health and the American Heart Association to expand lifesaving hypertension care and education across the city. One in three residents in Philadelphia has hypertension (high blood pressure), but many don’t know it. That’s why high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer.” … Read more
-
Meet heart warrior and star swimmer, Jack Donovan
When Jack Donovan was born, his pediatrician noticed a heart murmur. His parents, Elizabeth Donovan and John Donovan, knew congenital heart defects ran in the family, but they hoped it was benign. At just 2 months old, Jack visited a cardiologist, and by 6 months, doctors suspected something more serious. Still, Jack was, in his mother’s words, “a roly-poly happy baby,” full of smiles. Everything changed at … Read more
