by John Stephen On the morning of November 30, I laced up my sneakers and went out for a jog in Anna Maria, Florida. It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving — quiet, warm, and unremarkable in every way that matters. I was 63 years old, felt strong, and had been exercising regularly. I remember starting … Read more
By Vicky Liberty, New Gloucester, Maine I had my first heart attack at 36 after multiple ER visits where my symptoms were dismissed as stress, anxiety, and pleurisy. I knew something was wrong and refused to leave until I got answers. Finally, a doctor confirmed I was having a heart attack. During the catheterization, they … Read more
By Ron Morin, paramedic and cardiac arrest survivor On August 14, 2020, Officer Nick D’Ascanio, South Portland Police, responded to a crash on Maine Mall Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash with injury. He was 30 seconds away! I was that guy. I had lost consciousness and crashed into a car with … Read more
The New Hampshire Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, May 31 at Livingston Park in Manchester. Hundreds of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Mike Ramshaw, General Manager, E&R Laundry and Dry Cleaners, will … Read more
By Ashley Lucas Heart disease and stroke are not statistics to me — they are part of my family’s story. I grew up watching my grandparents, aunts, and uncles live with cardiovascular disease. I’ve seen the toll it can take, and I’ve felt the quiet worry that comes with it. When it touches your mother… … Read more
On March 16, 2026, the American Heart Association convened passionate Heart Powered advocates in Augusta for the CERPs in Schools Legislative Reception. Co-sponsored with the Northern New England (Maine) Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, the event brought together 17 advocates for a meaningful evening focused on raising their voices in support of healthier … Read more
New Hampshire cardiologist shares lifesaving tips The winter holidays can turn deadly as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important … Read more
The American Heart Association urges people to be aware of and reduce risks for deadly ‘holiday heart attacks’ The winter holidays can turn deadly as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of … Read more
The American Heart Association’s® Woman of Impact™ nominees champion heart health through Go Red for Women® fundraising and philanthropy initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a … Read more
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. Nineteen superintendents were selected to serve as volunteer leaders for the second year of the … Read more
Marco Diaz, MD, chair, Department of Cardiac Services at Maine Medical Center and chief of MaineHealth’s Cardiovascular Service Line, will lead the charge as the 2026 Maine Heart Walk Chair. The Heart Walk campaign will culminate on May 17, 2026, at Portland’s Back Cove, where more than 2,000 participants will walk to save lives while … Read more
Matthew Gibb, MD, to lead American Heart Association’s 2026 Go Red for Women initiative 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, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. To change that, the American Heart Association, … Read more
World Stroke Day is celebrated globally on October 29. This year the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and stroke prevention. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Globally, about one in four … Read more
World Stroke Day is celebrated globally on October 29. This year the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and stroke prevention. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Globally, about one in four … Read more
American Heart Association funds support physical activity at Greene Central School Only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. gets the recommended amount of daily physical activity, and approximately 1 in 3 are considered overweight or obese[1]. With physical inactivity and mental health challenges on the rise among youth, schools like Greene Central School are … Read more
Denise McDonough to chair Maine’s Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Maine and across the United States. Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the … Read more
American Heart Association funds support student and faculty well-being at Derry school With physical inactivity and mental health challenges on the rise among youth, a Derry school is taking action to create healthier learning environments. To help address those growing needs, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, … Read more
Ashley Ricker of Falmouth recently joined the American Heart Association staff as Maine’s school engagement director. In her role, she will assist schools throughout the state with implementing the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students and their families to learn the warning signs … Read more
As the American Heart Association in New Hampshire begins its 2025–2026 fiscal year, it does so with a passionate team of volunteers committed to advancing its mission: to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association expresses its gratitude to outgoing board members for their service, while welcoming a new … Read more
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 Thirteen hospitals in New Hampshire 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. … Read more
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 Ten hospitals in Maine 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
By Jane Martina, Adult & Information Services Librarian, Hooksett Public Library With no senior center in Hooksett, the library plays a vital role in supporting our older residents. When Caitlin Price from the American Heart Association approached us with a new initiative supported by Dartmouth Health, we were excited to explore the opportunity. Even while … Read more
American Heart Association’s 9th annual “Purse-onality” event is September 10th The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 9th annual Go Red for Women “Purse-onality” event on Wednesday, September 10th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. The event features a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse … Read more
A Measured Step Toward Better Health: American Heart Association and Northern Light Health Deliver 64 BP Cuffs to Greater Portland Health In Maine, close to 32% of all adults suffer from high blood pressure and deaths from this condition have steadily climbed over the past two decades. High blood pressure – a major risk factor … Read more
The American Heart Association in Maine is entering its 2025-26 fiscal year with dedicated volunteers who will lead the organization’s local team in pursuit of its mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association thanks members who have completed their board terms and has named its president and chair, … Read more
How local advocates made a difference this legislative session and how you can get involved I am proud to share with you the American Heart Association’s latest policy and advocacy work in Maine. As we wrap up the 2025 legislative season, we’re energized by what’s next. But first—let’s recap and celebrate the victories that our … Read more
Legislature unanimously supported passage of bill, urge Governor Ayotte to sign into law Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student athletes associated with participation in school athletic events or practices. Of the 23,000 children who will experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, about 40% of these events are sports-related. When on … Read more
Rural areas often have blood pressure rates that are higher than the state’s average Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but many are not aware they have it since it frequently has no symptoms. In Maine, the rate of high blood pressure for the entire state is 31.7% of the population. Referred … Read more
The American Heart Association applauds the plan to protect public health and support tobacco prevention The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, issued the following statement through Whitney Perry Parrish, State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association regarding the legislative budget proposal to enact a $1.50 tax on … Read more
New program helps Granite Staters combat high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke They’ve always been a resource center for the community, and a new program in New Hampshire is letting libraries add one more important asset to their lending opportunities: blood pressure cuffs. High blood pressure is often referred … Read more
Portland, Maine, May 9, 2025 — The American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, is adding lifesavers to the chain of survival by teaming up with MaineHealth to donate Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kits to Maine families. On Thursday, May 8th, the American Heart Association and MaineHealth presented the kits to … Read more
The American Stroke Association urges everyone to know warning signs F.A.S.T. and take steps to prevent stroke Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke[1], however, as many as 80% may be preventable with healthy lifestyle changes and screening for risk factors[2]. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a … Read more
By Drew McMullin My heart journey began in early 2015, but really, it began much earlier. I am the child of two families with significant heart and other health concerns, where heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions ran rampant through the generations. Me being the perfect example of this genetic combination, I should have been … Read more
Help the American Heart Association in New Hampshire fund lifesaving research and education by attending the “Heart of the Seacoast” Heart Ball on Saturday, April 5th from 6:30pm until 9:30pm at The Envio at AC Hotel in Portsmouth. The Association’s only nighttime event in New Hampshire, this annual networking and fundraising event helps to educate … Read more
The American Heart Association in Maine recently hired Whitney Parrish Perry of Augusta as Maine’s Government Relations Director. Perry comes to the Association with a strong background in lobbying, coalition building, and policy campaign management. Her personal and professional experiences shape her passion for improving and sustaining the health and wellness of all people, particularly … Read more
On February 25, the American Heart Association participated in the annual Maine Heart at the Capitol 2025 in Augusta, Maine. The event brought together fifty passionate advocates, legislators, and members of the Maine Public Health Association to champion critical public health policies. This year’s focus was on increasing the tobacco tax and addressing acute cardiac … Read more
For more than two decades, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign has raised awareness about women’s greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. The 18th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on March 27th in Portland. The main speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Meghan Torjussen, will … Read more
In October of 2023, then 42-year-old Angela Coates of Casco fainted after going out with friends. She attributed the fainting spell to not eating and drinking enough that evening. She had fainted before, and didn’t think much of it this time. Her life was very busy as a stay-at-home mom to a five- and three-year-old. … Read more
For more than two decades, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign has raised awareness about women’s greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease – which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women. The Association will hold its 2025 New Hampshire Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 12th at the Grappone Conference Center … Read more
Written by Margaret Greenberg, Hartland, Maine On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, 2021, I was feeling exhausted. For six months I had been working twelve plus hours a day, researching and writing my second book, The Business of Race, with my dear friend Gina Greenlee. We had a very aggressive deadline from our publisher, McGraw-Hill. … Read more
Wade mobilizes local corporate leaders to build community of lifesavers Tim Wade, New Hampshire Regional President of M&T Bank, will lead the charge as the 2025 New Hampshire Heart Walk Chair. Under Wade’s leadership, top executives throughout southern New Hampshire will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign … Read more
Cook mobilizes Greater Portland’s corporate leaders to build community of lifesavers Andrew Cook, Senior Vice President & Maine Market Leader of Mascoma Bank, will lead the charge as the 2025 Maine Heart Walk Chair. Under Cook’s leadership, top executives throughout southern Maine will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a … Read more
World Stroke Day is celebrated globally on October 29th. This year the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and stroke prevention. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Globally, about one in four … Read more
World Stroke Day is celebrated globally on October 29th. This year the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and stroke prevention. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Globally, about one in four … Read more
Written by Dave Johnson A year ago, just before my stroke I had a great job that involved managing people, closing deals and traveling the United States. I was out cutting trees the week prior to my stroke as well as continuing as a power weightlifter in the gym. I lived by myself and was … Read more
This story was published on Her View From Home. Original blog post here. September 2, 2023 was one of the more beautiful days of the slipping away New Hampshire summer. It had been a rainy and cool summer, making the swimming and water activity opportunities a little less than ideal. But God blessed us with … Read more
The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a 5th grader at Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York to serve as a volunteer Maine Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesley Ethridge, 10, of York will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart … Read more
Jennifer McAninch of Weare recently joined the American Heart Association staff as New Hampshire’s school engagement director. In her role, she will assist schools throughout the state with implementing the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge engage students and their families, providing schools with resources and … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Jeannie Bolger, Ambulatory Director of Nursing with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, as the community volunteer chair of the 2025 New Hampshire Go Red for Women Luncheon. This educational and fundraising event is scheduled for Wednesday, February … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kelly Elkins, Chief Operating Officer with MaineHealth, as the community volunteer chair of the 2025 Go Red for Women Luncheon. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase … Read more
As kids head back to the classrooms, it’s important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health. Too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make for some hard lessons in poor heart health in the future. In a recent study, researchers reported that most children and … Read more
The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 8th annual Go Red for Women “Purse-onality” event on Wednesday, September 25th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. The event features a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse is hand-selected and filled with items and mementos that reflect the … Read more
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 Eleven hospitals in New Hampshire 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 … Read more
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 Nine hospitals in Maine 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
The American Heart Association in New Hampshire is entering its 2024-25 fiscal year with dedicated volunteers who will lead the organization’s local team in pursuit of its mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association thanks members who have completed their board terms and has named a new president … Read more
The American Heart Association in Maine is entering its 2024-25 fiscal year with dedicated volunteers who will lead the organization’s local team in pursuit of its mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association thanks members who have completed their board terms and has named a new president and … Read more
Denney shares heroic battle with heart disease to 300 people at the June 2nd event in Manchester Written by Ella Denney At 15 years old, I began experiencing palpitations and episodes that would later be diagnosed as Supraventricular Tachycardia, or SVT. For those unaware, SVT is a congenital heart disease that is described as an … Read more
Emily Knight, RN, of Strafford joined the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., this week to ask Congress to support legislation that would improve the chain of survival in elementary … Read more