Anna Heerdt

Vermont Heart Walk aims to make one person per household CPR-ready

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The American Heart Association campaign equips participants with CPR education while raising funds to support research and local impact initiatives 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 … Read more

Vermont Legislature advances lifesaving measures

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Key tobacco prevention and school cardiac emergency funding bills await governor’s signature The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is celebrating the adjournment of the Vermont Legislature’s 2026 session, which delivered significant progress on initiatives that will help save lives across the state. Two key measures — focused on tobacco prevention … Read more

3 ways to take health and safety into your hands this summer

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American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American … Read more

3 ways to take health and safety into your hands this summer

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American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American … Read more

Carrying the Torch: Nick Farris’ unexpected stroke

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After surviving a rare posterior stroke at 35, Nick Farris is helping to expand what people know about stroke signs and why immediate action still matters. On the morning of December 19, 2023, Nick Farris expected his day to begin like any other. Instead, within moments of getting out of bed, something felt wrong. “I … Read more

Why stroke awareness is personal for Miss Vermont 2026

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After her family’s experience with stroke, Miss Vermont 2026 Hannah Roque is using her platform to highlight the importance of knowing the signs and understanding risk factors during Stroke Awareness Month. For Miss Vermont 2026 Hannah Roque, stroke awareness isn’t just her platform; it’s deeply personal. This May, during American Stroke Month, her story highlights … Read more

Vermont Legislature approves tobacco prevention legislation to protect youth

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American Heart Association urges governor to sign S.198, a bill containing proven policy that strengthens retailer accountability

Carrying the Torch: Sue Rodeman’s story and the power of B.E. F.A.S.T.

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During Stroke Awareness Month, a Caretaker of the Torch from the Rochester Heart Ball shares how acronym ‘B.E. F.A.S.T.’ can save a life. As a Caretaker of the Torch at this year’s Rochester Heart Ball, Sue Rodeman represented survivors, families and advocates who are helping move the American Heart Association’s mission forward. But what many … Read more

2026 Rochester Heart Ball unites community leaders for longer, healthier lives

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Rochester raises over $400,000 to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD). On Saturday, the 2026 Rochester Heart Ball brought together community leaders, volunteers and survivors of CVD to showcase how research discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge can make an impact and change health outcomes for Rochester. The critical funds … Read more

Two Buffalo changemakers triumph in competition to end cardiovascular disease

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American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and philanthropy Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion … Read more

Local Health Care Operations VP to lead 2026 Heart Walk and citywide push for CPR readiness

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Karas joins the American Heart Association to bring Heart Walk back to Buffalo 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 double or triple a person’s chance of … Read more

‘Red Means Go’ for Vermont women’s heart health

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The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is … Read more

Local volunteer’s campaign supports lifesaving research and community health

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Theresa Hill named American Heart Association Rochester Leaders of Impact™ Winner Theresa Hill, accounts payable and collections manager at John W. Danforth, and longtime American Heart Association volunteer, has been named the American Heart Association Rochester 2025 Leaders of Impact™ Winner. Hill’s work supports the Heart Association’s mission of creating a world of longer, healthier … Read more

Norwich University Lecturer spearheads local women’s heart health movement

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Dr. Corey Bennett, DNP, MSN, RN-BC to chair the American Heart Association’s Vermont 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Vermont and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, … Read more

John W. Danforth Executives lead year-round campaign to improve health in Rochester

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Ken Burns and T.R. Casamento named 2026 Rochester American Heart Association Heart Ball Co-Chairs For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Rochester’s Heart Ball campaign, Ken Burns, vice president of operations, Central New York, at John W. Danforth Company, and … Read more

New program empowers Upper Valley residents to control high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke 

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American Heart Association provides blood pressure equipment to several public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire  They’ve always been a resource center for the community, and a new program in the Upper Valley is letting libraries add one more important asset to their lending opportunities: blood pressure cuffs.    High blood pressure is often referred to … Read more

Craig Hill Elementary School kicks off heart-healthy challenge with new recess equipment

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The American Heart Association inspires students to stay active with new recess equipment thanks to support from John. W. Danforth Company With only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity[1], Craig Hill Elementary School is working to create a healthier future through the Kids Heart Challenge™. Led … Read more

Pediatric nurse practitioner and two-time stroke survivor spearheads local women’s heart health movement in Buffalo

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Kelly Naab to chair the American Heart Association’s Buffalo 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Buffalo and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to … Read more

Students in Rochester area explore careers in STEM fields

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American Heart Association’s Rochester STEM Goes Red™, part of its Go Red for Women® movement, introduces students to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and connects students with female industry leaders Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it … Read more

Back to school, back to heart health: Why kids’ routines matter

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As summer wraps up and kids head back to the classrooms, it’s important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. Too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make … Read more

Seven hospitals in the Buffalo Niagara Region recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke 

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he American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care  Seven hospitals in the Buffalo Niagara Region are among the 4,800 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease … Read more

Nine hospitals in the Rochester area recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke 

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The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care 

Three hospitals in Vermont recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke 

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The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care  Three hospitals in Vermont are among the 4,800 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke.  Heart … Read more

Vermont leader takes the helm of the 2025 Heart Walk to save lives

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Ben Traverse mobilizes Vermont’s corporate leaders to build community of lifesavers as chairman of American Heart Association Heart Walk Burlington volunteer Ben Traverse will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chairman to build a community of lifesavers in Vermont. Under Traverse’s leadership, top executives throughout Vermont will unite to recruit … Read more

2025 Rochester Heart Ball unites to create a world of longer, healthier lives

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American Heart Association annual event raises hope by generating funds and awareness to fight heart disease and stroke Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1] In addition, an aging, more varied population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people are expected to nearly … Read more

Pediatric nurse, mother, stroke survivor takes on women’s top health threat: cardiovascular disease 

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American Heart Association names Kelly Naab Go Red for Women’s® Buffalo Woman of Impact™ Winner  Kelly Naab, pediatric nurse practitioner at Williamsville Pediatrics and co-medical director for Clarence Central School District, mother and two-time stroke survivor, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Buffalo Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. Naab won the … Read more

Vermont unites against women’s No. 1 killer

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American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women  Dinner raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American … Read more

Buffalo joins initiative to improve blood pressure control for all

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The American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative is expanding access to care, bridging community-clinical gaps and tackling racial disparities in hypertension management. High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects half of adults (47%) in the United States and remains a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke[1], according to the American Heart … Read more

Buffalo unites against women’s No. 1 killer 

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American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women  Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health  The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is dedicated to tackling cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. Yet, women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.1 Women also experience unique … Read more

Guest Blog: Be prepared to save a life

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Sophie Loughran came home to visit her family in Stannard, VT. Although she did not plan to save her father’s life, she was prepared with Hands-Only CPR and a refurbished automated external defibrillator (AED). Written by Sophie Loughran After recently moving to Denver, Colorado, and feeling a bit homesick, I traveled home to my family’s … Read more

Wells Fargo’s Executive Director and EBC’s HR & Payroll Solutions, Inc.’s Senior Human Resources Advisor lead movement to improve women’s heart health in Buffalo

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Casey DeMarco and Linda Walleshauser to co-chair the American Heart Association’s Buffalo 2024-25 Go Red for Women® initiative Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. Because of their passion for improving women’s heart health in Buffalo, Casey DeMarco, of … Read more

Norwich University’s School of Nursing Director and Associate Professor leads local movement to improve women’s heart health

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Jessica L. Wood, DNP, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB to chair the American Heart Association’s Vermont 2024-2025 Go Red for Women® movement  Jessica Wood, director and associate professor at Norwich University School of Nursing will serve as the executive volunteer chairwoman of the 2024-2025 Vermont Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades … Read more

Madelyn Ferriter: 19-year-old stroke survivor, now aspiring biomedical engineer

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“I will never get tired of talking about it,” Maddy Ferriter, of Clarence said of her stroke. “It taught me that no one is ever too young to undergo any kind of medical event. I am living proof.” On January 23, 2023, everything seemed normal as Maddy prepared for her AP Calculus midterm during her … Read more

Guest Blog – Taking the “luck” out of surviving cardiac arrest

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Payton Jones of Bristol, VT suffered cardiac arrest at age 11 during her swim meet. She is alive today to tell the story thanks to immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. I’m lucky to be alive. An undiagnosed heart condition caused me to suffer a cardiac arrest during a swim meet in Essex, … Read more

Two Rutland schools receive financial grants to boost their physical education programs

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American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge logo

American Heart Association grants ignite new health initiatives in schools The American Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded $4,300 in total to Rutland Town School and Rutland Intermediate School for physical activity equipment and resources. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness initiatives. … Read more

77 hospitals in New York State recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke 

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The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care  77 hospitals in New York State are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® and other programs to improve outcomes for Americans who … Read more

Two hospitals in Vermont recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke

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The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care Two hospitals in Vermont are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® and other programs to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart … Read more

A mother and son with a bond like no other

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Ashley and Gabriel Boyea

Ashley Boyea is no stranger to the trials and tribulations that come with cardiac issues. When Ashley was in her 20s, she started experiencing shortness of breath, thinking her asthma was flaring up. However, she got checked out, and her doctor diagnosed her with sick sinus syndrome, which is a condition that disrupts the function … Read more

University of Vermont Health Network’s Chief Medical Officer steps up to save lives in Burlington, VT with the return of the Vermont Heart Walk

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The American Heart Association is proud to announce the return of the beloved Vermont Heart Walk after six years. David Clauss, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Vermont Health Network, will be leading efforts as Chairperson of the 2024 Vermont Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local community members, companies and … Read more