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First grader Chase Mitchell overcame multiple surgeries and found his strength

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Chase Mitchell may be one of the youngest kids in his first grade class at Westridge Elementary, with a September birthday, but he’s already lived through more medical challenges than many people will ever face. Today, he’s a happy, energetic kid who plays baseball, flag football and soccer. To anyone watching him run across a field, you’d never guess he was born with a serious congenital heart defect. … Read more

Lawyers Have Heart celebrated 36 years of movement, mission and impact

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On May 16, 2026, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters gathered in West Potomac Park for a sunny morning dedicated to heart health. Participants took on the 10K, 5K and Fun Walk before enjoying a lively post-race celebration featuring snacks, music, a pet party, a kids zone and Hands‑Only CPR demonstrations. After the awards … Read more

Meet Shelbe Hudson: two-time stroke survivor, DJ and advocate

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When Shelbe Hudson had her first stroke at the age of 25, it was the last thing she expected to happen to her. Her initial symptoms were headaches and changes in vision, which she largely dismissed as effects of her job and too much screentime.  As the symptoms persisted, she waited. She celebrated the Fourth of July with her … Read more

Meet Tony Brown, a heart warrior who beat all odds

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When Tita Escobar was five months pregnant, doctors broke the kind of news no expecting parent wants to hear; her baby would be born with a heart condition and might not survive past birth. After a high-risk pregnancy, baby Tony arrived into the world. Tita had mere seconds to hold him before Tony was quickly rushed into the intensive care … Read more

American Heart Association, Montgomery County clinic team up to offer new tools for supporting heart health

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A collaboration between the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, has led to a dramatic improvement in health for clients of the clinic. In particular, more than half of the patients seen during the collaboration saw an improvement in their blood pressure readings. This is important because high blood pressure … Read more

After overcoming a major heart event, ultramarathoner Michael Lo Presti has an important message

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Decades ago, when Michael Lo Presti first began his running career, he started seeing the usual positive results that come with this healthy habit… but one troubling symptom persisted. His blood pressure was consistently measuring high. It turned out he was living with an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. A heart ultrasound revealed the cause of the … Read more

Fox Chapel Elementary School Becomes first school in Montgomery County to implement a community blood pressure screening station

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Hypertension remains a significant public health concern, mostly because it often goes unnoticed until serious health threats occur, such as heart attacks or stroke.   The American Heart Association works with community organizations to manage and prevent hypertension by implementing blood pressure screening stations at places where clients already receive other health services. To expand this initiative, we are partnering with schools in the Greater Washington Region.   Fox Chapel Elementary … Read more

Brian Drouin’s lifelong heart journey led him back to the American Heart Association

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When Brian Drouin joined the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region team in March 2026 to lead the Lawyers Have Heart event, it marked a full-circle moment in his heart journey.  Brian was born with d-Transposition of the Great Arteries; as a newborn, he had an arterial switch operation, the first step in a lifelong journey … Read more

Four generations of women’s stories converge around heart health

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This year, when Stacy Yentz of Peraton joined her team for the Heart Walk, the mission behind the event was more personal to her than she could have ever imagined. Last November, Stacy’s mother, Gerri, was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What initially seemed like a manageable diagnosis escalated quickly. Just two weeks later, Gerri … Read more

This giving season, support healthy pantries in your community

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Guidance for DC-area neighbors on how to make healthy food donations and where to start  Nearly half of all Greater Washington Region residents lack access to healthy food. Poor nutrition leads to poor heart outcomes. People without enough food may often be faced with unhealthy choices of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, which can lead to chronic … Read more

Heartfelt supporters cross the $2.1 million finish line for the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk

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Thousands of walkers returned to D.C.’s National Mall for the 2025 Heart Walk WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov 17, 2025 – Around 10,000 walkers gathered on the National Mall for the 2025 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, raising more than $2.1 million for the fight against heart disease and stroke. These 579 teams, 90 companies and thousands … Read more

29 local clinics awarded for high standard of blood pressure care   

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These health centers are recognized for their efforts to improve community blood pressure with the goal of ultimately reducing heart attack and stroke rates  Twenty-nine clinics located in the Greater Washington Region have been recognized for their unwavering commitment to achieving better blood pressure control in their communities, with the ultimate goal of reducing the … Read more

Meet Jeff “Coldstream” Roth: runner, survivor, local executive – and recovery myth buster 

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At a May 2019 ceremony, Jeff had a chance to thank the first responders who saved his life

Seven years ago, local executive Jeff Roth survived a near-death experience during a workday run. In the days after, he and his family pieced together what happened. In the years since, he’s been rewriting the story of what recovery really looks like.  Jeff, now director of games at Booz Allen Hamilton, was on a routine … Read more

Commanders players urge fans to join Nation of Lifesavers, learn lifesaving CPR

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The American Heart Association and NFL team up to boost CPR readiness on World Restart a Heart Day WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2025 —To boost awareness of CPR, the American Heart Association and NFL (National Football League) are unveiling the 2025 Nation of Lifesavers™ Player Ambassador Class on World Restart a Heart Day, which takes … Read more

October 16, 2025 declared “Restart a Heart Day” in Washington, D.C. 

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Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed October 16, 2025, as “World Restart a Heart Day” in the District of Columbia.   More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with up to 23,000 of those happening to people under 18 years old. In D.C. alone, nearly 1,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital … Read more

Greater Washington Golf Tournament makes big swings for heart health 

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Over 100 golfers from more than 20 local companies convened for a day of golf and lifesaving impact  ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 22, 2025 – The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region hosted its 40th annual Golf Tournament benefitting the Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. This year’s … Read more

Healthcare Initiative Foundation rounds out one year of supporting blood pressure screening in Montgomery County, Md.

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In 2024, The Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) awarded the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, a one-year grant to support the health of Montgomery County residents. The initiative empowers residents to monitor their blood pressure at home and at various community sites.   To bring this vision to life, the Heart Association collaborated with community … Read more

Tobacco-free communities, healthy meals and access to care: our 2025-2026 advocacy agenda

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The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region continues to support policies that improve the heart health and safety of our neighbors. In the last year, D.C. passed legislation requiring cardiac emergency response plans in all schools. Starting in September 2025, all schools will be prepared to save lives and respond to cardiac emergencies in school … Read more

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: Here’s what you should know

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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common irregular heartbeat, affecting millions of people, the majority of whom are not aware of the condition until they’re diagnosed. It can increase your risk of stroke by up to five times and can increase your risk of other complications.   While anyone can develop AFib, the risk rises with … Read more

Advancing equitable health across the Greater Washington Region

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Prince George’s County Washington, D.C. Montgomery County Northern Virginia The American Heart Association is deepening its commitment to equitable health throughout the Greater Washington Region (GWR) by expanding efforts to combat chronic disease. Our work focuses on addressing nutrition security, improving blood pressure control and increasing access to lifesaving Hands-Only CPR education. Through strong collaboration … Read more

Michael Kirshbaum returns as chair for 40th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament

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The American Heart Association celebrates Michael Kirshbaum returning for the second year as chair of the 40th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament, happening on September 22, 2025. Kirshbaum serves as the chief financial officer of EAB, an education research, technology, and services company and previously served as CFO of The Advisory Board Company, a … Read more

25 hospitals in the Greater Washington Region 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  WASHINGTON, 2025 — Twenty-five hospitals in the Greater Washington 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 … Read more

Why every organization needs a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan 

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When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts. Yet, only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional responders arrive. The survival rate drops by 10% every minute without CPR or use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). That’s why the American Heart Association is … Read more

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

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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 year. Made up of volunteer leaders, the Board supports the mission of the Association through fundraising and addresses important community priorities, including increasing access to … Read more

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

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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, Carine, learned at her 20-week ultrasound that Kayleigh had hypoplastic right heart syndrome. At the time, the family was based in Jacksonville, NC, where Kayleigh’s … Read more

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

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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. These communities are diverse but share common challenges in health access and outcomes. The summit served as a platform to elevate the unique health needs … Read more

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

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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 they serve. With generous support from Coforma, we’re helping ensure that families not only receive nutritious meals, but also gain access to resources that support … Read more

2025 CPR & AED rally unites hearts in DC 

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(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 and advocates march from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol  From June 5 to 7, 2025, heart health advocates from across the country gathered … Read more

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

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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 experience cardiac arrest do not survive. The good news is that when bystander CPR is performed, it can double or even triple survival rates.  That’s … Read more

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

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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 35th Lawyers Have Heart at the scenic West Potomac Park. After completing the 5k, 10k and fun walk course, runners, walkers and families enjoyed a … Read more

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

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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 1 at the National Mall, brings together a community of hundreds of local companies as well as survivors, health leaders, donors, advocates and volunteers to … Read more

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

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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 difference. Second grader Aubrey was born with coarctation of aorta, mitral valve stenosis, and a severely large ventricular septal defect (a hole in her heart), … Read more

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

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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 the AHA and share stories of lives transformed by advancements in cardiac care. The annual gala raised $1.3 million to advance the AHA’s lifesaving mission.  … Read more

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

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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 bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 30, some things started to add up. This congenital heart defect went unnoticed until then, but the signs … Read more

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

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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 to address. CCACC Health Center is a subsidiary unit of CCACC, and is an education, culture and healthcare center offering primary care, rehabilitation, mental health … Read more

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

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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 Sheehy Auto Stores. For decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country. That’s why we … Read more

National Walking Day 2025: Walk more. Stress less.

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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 well-being. For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country. That’s why we created National Walking … Read more

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

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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: healthy pantries and the Heart of Greater Washington campaign. “Coforma is thrilled to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to advance community health and increase … Read more

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

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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 defects and four open heart surgeries before the age of 17. Olivia was born with truncus arteriosus and coarctation of the aorta. “When I was … Read more

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

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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 the first five geographic regions in the U.S. that will implement a new initiative to improve care for people with a cluster of chronic conditions … Read more

Meet our 2025 Teens of Impact for the Greater Washington Region

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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. This nine-week competition is relentlessly focused on heart health. Through April 10, 2025, nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their … Read more

Meet the 2025 Greater Washington Region Woman of Impact nominees

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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 relentlessly focused on women’s heart health. Through April 10, 2025, nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their networks to support … Read more

Healthcare Initiative Foundation grant empowers Montgomery County residents

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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 of Montgomery County, MD residents with high blood pressure. HIF offers funding to nonprofits in the county to improve high-quality and accessible health initiatives.   High … Read more

Heart of Greater Washington campaign leadership update

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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. Culminating with the Heart Ball celebration on April 5, 2025, the year-round campaign unites individuals and companies across the DC metro area to raise lifesaving … Read more

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

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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.  However, many health inequities remain. In the Greater Washington Region, 29.5% of adults have hypertension, 1 in 5 high school students use electronic cigarettes and … Read more

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

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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 more than 500 teams, 84 companies and around 10,000 walkers, Heart Walk supporters raised $2 million to advance CPR education, research and scientific innovation, and … Read more

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

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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 all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure. High cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled … Read more

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

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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, allies, advocates, and more—share our vision for a future of longer, healthier lives.  Through the Leaders of Impact campaign, AHA GWR and other local AHA … Read more

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

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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 all D.C. schools to have cardiac emergency response plans so they are prepared to respond to a cardiac arrest in a school building or athletic … Read more

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

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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 team supported community and health care organizations by providing blood pressure monitors, educational materials and training on how to measure blood pressure accurately to establish … Read more

Collaboration with UnitedHealth Group reduces barriers for patients with hypertension

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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 facing under-resourced residents. The American Heart Association Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR), with support from a two-year “Empowering Health Care” grant UnitedHealth Group, worked alongside … Read more

25 hospitals across the Greater Washington Region 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 Arlington, VA, July 18, 2024 — 25 hospitals across the Greater Washington Region (GWR) are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® … Read more

True Ground Housing Partners commits to resident health and nutrition

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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 Housing Partners, formerly known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, is a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, that provides safe, affordable homes for more than … Read more

Owen Billman to Chair the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 

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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 Blake Real Estate and past leadership development chair for the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Washington Region Board of Directors, has been named chair of … Read more

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

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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 Region Golf Tournament.  Kirshbaum is the Chief Financial Officer of EAB, an education research, technology, and services company and previously served as CFO of The … Read more

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

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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. Jonah highlights the importance of understanding detection and prevention and rethinking the outdated perceptions of heart disease risk factors. Jonah was in Perry County, Alabama … Read more

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

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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 ago, Barbara Bassin’s brother, Bruce Bassin, collapsed and died from a heart attack while waiting in line at the Dulles Airport. Bruce was a husband, … Read more

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

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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 34th annual Lawyers Have Heart, returning for the second year at the scenic West Potomac Park. After completing the 5k, 10k and fun walk course, … Read more

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

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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 awareness and treatment At around 3:00 a.m. in the morning on October 8, 2023, Priti Langer was awakened by heavy chest pains. Priti, Global Practice … Read more