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American Heart Association Greater Washington Region Announces New Board Chair and Welcomes New Directors

July 16, 2025July 15, 2025 by hannahross

The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, proudly announces new leadership and appointments to its Greater Washington Region (GWR) Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 fiscal … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Board of Directors, leadership, volunteer leaders

Seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has the heart of a fighter

July 14, 2025 by hannahross

Stafford County, VA seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has a resilient heart: one that’s survived complications, surgeries, diseases and other big challenges with a fighting spirit. Before she was born, her mother, … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, CHD, kids heart challenge, youth, Youth Heart Ambassador

Eastern States Rural Health Summit 2025: Bridging gaps and building futures 

July 16, 2025July 2, 2025 by hannahross

The American Heart Association (AHA) held the inaugural  Eastern States Rural Health Summit on June 13, 2025. Rural populations make up about 20% of the U.S. population, totaling approximately 60 million people. … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Community Health, community impact, rural health

Luther Clark: a music industry veteran’s unexpected heart journey

July 16, 2025June 30, 2025 by hannahross

After nearly four decades in the music industry, working with some of the biggest names in reggae, hip-hop, gospel, and urban music, Luther Clark, a 69-year-old industry veteran found himself … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Meet the DC-area food pantries committed to improving community heart health 

June 27, 2025June 24, 2025 by hannahross

The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) is proud to support six local food assistance providers expand their services and better elevate the total wellbeing of the communities … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Community Health, community impact, Heart Ball

2025 CPR & AED rally unites hearts in DC 

July 16, 2025June 19, 2025 by hannahross

(L) Survivors and advocates stand in front of the Capitol with their march signs, (middle) Survivor Dr. Delya Sommerville was one of the advocates participating in the rally, (R) Survivors … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Advocacy, cpr, CPR Week, Nation of Lifesavers

On CPR week, let these stories inspire you to learn a lifesaving skill

May 30, 2025 by hannahross

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States. 9 out of 10 of those who … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags CPR Week, Heart Walk, Nation of Lifesavers

35th annual Lawyers Have Heart convenes thousands of runners and walkers to advance health and hope

May 29, 2025 by hannahross

On May 17, 2025, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters – among them survivors, fitness leaders, members of the legal community and public health leaders – convened for the … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags lawyers have heart

A bus ride to remember: Christina Buckley’s story of courage and CPR

May 20, 2025 by hannahross

A routine bus ride from Washington, D.C. to New York City turned into a life-or-death emergency — and Christina Buckley didn’t hesitate. Christina, 30, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Let’s Walk: Rocky Thurston of DMI chairs the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk Campaign alongside a team of volunteer leaders

April 30, 2025April 29, 2025 by hannahross

Rocky Thurston, CEO of DMI, a global technology consulting and professional services firm, has been named chair of the 2025 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The event, scheduled for November … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Heart Walk

Meet Aubrey and Kennedy: Bristow elementary schoolers and “Open Your Heart” heroes

April 28, 2025 by hannahross

For survivors and Youth Heart Ambassadors, Aubrey Spiess and Kennedy Shivers of Bristow Run Elementary, knowing they have someone at the same school who understands their experience makes a big … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Greater Washington Region Heart Ball carries the torch into the second century of impact

April 10, 2025April 10, 2025 by hannahross

On April 5, 2025, hundreds of supporters of the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) gathered in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria to celebrate the work of … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

After a series of shocking heart events, local fitness leader sets sights on new athletic achievement

April 10, 2025 by hannahross

As a personal trainer and multisport athlete in his thirties, Andres Virgen may not fit your typical profile of a cardiovascular disease patient. But when he was diagnosed with a … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Maryland healthcare center expands hypertension and chronic disease treatment with AHA support

April 7, 2025 by hannahross

Huixing (Kate) Lu, clinic director In Montgomery County, Maryland, there are significant gaps in healthcare access that we at the Chinese Cultural and Community Service Center Clinic (CCACC) are working … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

National Walking Day in the Greater Washington Region brings fitness, fun and learning

April 2, 2025 by hannahross

On April 2, 2025, crowds gathered at the St. James in Springfield, VA for a morning of fitness, learning and fun in celebration of National Walking Day, locally sponsored by … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

National Walking Day 2025: Walk more. Stress less.

March 20, 2025March 14, 2025 by hannahross

A walk isn’t just good for your body—it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood, and promotes overall … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Coforma grant fuels local nutrition security efforts, advances Heart of Greater Washington campaign

June 27, 2025March 12, 2025 by hannahross

The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) is kicking off a collaboration with Coforma, a digital services company based in Washington, DC, to advance key local health initiatives: … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Meet Olivia Pacheco: Miss Teen Apple Blossom, dancer, student leader and congenital heart defect survivor

March 4, 2025 by hannahross

For Prince William County high school senior, Olivia Pacheco, her volunteerism as a Youth Heart Ambassador for the American Heart Association (AHA) is personal; she has survived two congenital heart … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

DC and Maryland chosen for new effort to improve diagnosis, treatment of CKM syndrome

February 20, 2025 by hannahross

An American Heart Association initiative aims to improve care for people with a cluster of conditions called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome Washington, DC, Feb. 18, 2025 — DC and Maryland are among … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Meet our 2025 Teens of Impact for the Greater Washington Region

February 18, 2025February 11, 2025 by hannahross

Every year across the country, a select group of teens are nominated to be a part of Teen of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Teen of Impact

Meet the 2025 Greater Washington Region Woman of Impact nominees

February 18, 2025February 11, 2025 by hannahross

Every year across the country, a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of Woman of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This nine-week competition is … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags women of impact

Tim Brightbill and Laura Smith to co-chair 35th annual Lawyers Have Heart

January 13, 2025 by hannahross

The longtime event volunteers join local leaders in the legal community to power the annual 10K, 5K and fun walk  Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley and Laura Smith, partner at … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags lawyers have heart

Healthcare Initiative Foundation grant empowers Montgomery County residents

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 by hannahross
Dr. Anna Maria Izquierdo-Porrera from Care for Your Health receiving blood pressure monitors

The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) Community Impact Team was the recipient of a one-year grant from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) to help improve the health … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Heart of Greater Washington campaign leadership update

November 25, 2024 by hannahross

The American Heart Association (AHA), Greater Washington Region has named Srini Attili, executive vice president, Civilian Business Group at SAIC, as chair of the 2025 Heart of Greater Washington campaign. … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Heart Ball

Greater Washington Region superintendents named to new initiative championing health in schools

November 19, 2024 by hannahross

Northern Virginia superintendents, LaTanya McDade and Aaron Spence support critical work to improve student well-being through the Eastern States Superintendent Council   Washington, DC, Nov. 19, 2024 — Dr. LaTanya D. … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags School Engagement

Safe schools, healthy hearts: our 2024-2025 advocacy agenda 

November 12, 2024 by hannahross

The Greater Washington Region has always been a leader in advancing heart health policies, including tobacco control, reducing food insecurity and making schools and communities more prepared for cardiac emergencies.  … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Thousands gathered at the heart of the Nation’s Capital for a special centennial Heart Walk

November 11, 2024 by hannahross

On November 2, 2024, among DC’s national monuments, thousands of survivors, business leaders, medical professionals and other supporters took steps to save lives and celebrate this iconic annual event. Representing … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

35 organizations in the Greater Washington Region recognized for commitment to improve cardiovascular care

October 31, 2024October 29, 2024 by hannahross

The American Heart Association presents outpatient program achievement awards for proven dedication to ensuring patients have access to best practices that reduce risk of heart disease, stroke Nearly half of … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Local public safety, business and health leaders join Leaders of Impact campaign in the Greater Washington Region

October 17, 2024 by hannahross

Each year, the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) convenes a group of dedicated philanthropic leaders who are passionate about improving the health of our community. These leaders—survivors, … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

CPR Act approved by Council, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in DC schools

October 15, 2024October 15, 2024 by hannahross

Washington, DC, October 15, 2024 – The DC Council today unanimously passed legislation requiring DC schools to have cardiac emergency response plans. The Cardiac Planning and Response (CPR) Act requires … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Advancing community health through improved blood pressure care: a lookback at the results from our collaboration with local clinics and food pantries

November 22, 2024October 14, 2024 by hannahross

Backed by a one-year grant from Adventist Healthcare, the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Washington Region recently concluded an initiative to better serve under-resourced residents. Through this grant, the AHA … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Collaboration with UnitedHealth Group reduces barriers for patients with hypertension

October 7, 2024 by hannahross

Through collaborations with health care organizations, uninsured Montgomery County residents received quality hypertension and nutrition care In Montgomery County, Maryland, high blood pressure and nutrition insecurity are health crises disproportionately … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Nine-year-old survivor, Brady Petrauskas appointed to youth leadership role 

September 4, 2024August 22, 2024 by hannahross

American Heart Association youth volunteers inspire healthy living in local communities nationwide    The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a fourth grader at … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags School Engagement, youth, Youth Heart Ambassador, youth market

25 hospitals across the Greater Washington Region recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke

August 7, 2024August 5, 2024 by hannahross

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 Arlington, VA, July 18, 2024 — 25 hospitals … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region, Uncategorized Tags Get with the Guidelines

True Ground Housing Partners commits to resident health and nutrition

February 26, 2025July 30, 2024 by hannahross

By Danielle Johnson, Eastern States Region Note: This article has been updated to reflect True Ground Housing Partners’ new name (formerly known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing) True Ground … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Community Health, community impact

Survivors, physicians and advocates convene in support of the CPR Act

July 16, 2025July 23, 2024 by hannahross

On July 10, the American Heart Association (AHA), Greater Washington Region convened advocates at the DC Council to testify in support of the Cardiac Planning and Response “CPR” Act. The … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

Owen Billman to Chair the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 

July 31, 2024July 15, 2024 by hannahross

Local business leaders Owen Billman and Jeff Bosick will team up to drive donations, registrations and awareness about the Heart Walk and the American Heart Association  Owen Billman, president of … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Heart Walk

Michael Kirshbaum to chair the 39th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament

July 31, 2024June 17, 2024 by hannahross
Michael Kirshbaum, Chief Financial Officer of EAB

The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization committed to advancing heart and brain health for all, welcomes Michael Kirshbaum as chair of the 39th annual Greater Washington … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

A near-fatal wakeup call disrupts an annual tradition: Jonah’s survivor story

July 16, 2025June 12, 2024 by hannahross

An annual trip with friends marked by laughter, hunting, and decadent eating took a turn when Jonah Czerwinski, Head of Public Sector at Thoughtworks, faced an unexpected and life-threatening ordeal. … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

“I had a brother once” – Barbara Bassin’s survivor story

July 16, 2025May 30, 2024 by hannahross
Barbara (right) with her brother, Bruce and sister, Gail (left)

Barbara Bassin, 71, recounts her family’s history of heart disease. She highlights the importance of health advocacy, helping others understand and empathize with those affected by similar conditions.   25 years … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Go Red for Women

Thousands of runners and walkers come together to raise more than $1.3 million

July 31, 2024May 23, 2024 by hannahross
9-year-old survivor, Brady Petrauskas takes the stage with his family

Lawyers Have Heart 2024 brought together 4,500 runners and raised $1.3 million for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. On May 18, 2024, runners, walkers and survivors convened for the … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region

A sudden heart attack turned this mother of three into a vocal advocate

July 31, 2024May 15, 2024 by hannahross

When Priti Langer suffered from a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, she had to be a strong advocate for her own health; now she speaks out about the need for better … Read more

Categories Greater Washington Region Tags Go Red for Women, lawyers have heart
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