In December, Meraki Hair Salon in North Philadelphia transformed from a hub for beauty into a space for empowerment and education—where the conversation shifted from hair tips to heart health. In collaboration with Penn Medicine, the American Heart Association Greater Philadelphia and Physicians for Advocacy and Community Engagement, this free community event brought Black women … Read more
Rosemary J. Loverdi of Dilworth Paxson LLP to chair the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Philadelphia 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
The Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative—focused on removing barriers to accurate blood pressure measurement and improving early diagnosis and treatment in partnership with healthcare providers in West, Southwest and North Philadelphia—recently teamed up with Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH Philly). YEAH Philly, a nonprofit serving teens and young adults impacted … Read more
Beginning in 2020, Sue Ellen Bigioni experienced a string of significant and emotional personal losses. “I lost my brother in August 2021 and my husband of 50 years, Vince, later that year – three days before Christmas. Then in 2022, I lost another brother in March and my sister on Memorial Day, so it was … Read more
Student‑led fundraiser supports the American Heart Association’s mission to advance lifesaving cardiovascular research and strengthen community health Beat for Good, Villanova University’s student‑run organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cardiovascular disease, hosted its inaugural cycling fundraiser, Cycle Nova, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event brought students and community members together to … Read more
The ballroom quieted as Miriam Plitt walked toward the stage. Moments later, the American Heart Association presented her with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest honor in Southern New England, drawing a standing ovation from a crowd of more than 300 physicians, executives, advocates, and volunteers. Chair of the RI State Advocacy Committee for the American … Read more
On a campus known for shaping students through service and leadership, one junior has turned personal pain into public purpose. Preston Feden, 17, a Warwick native and member of La Salle Academy’s class of 2027, recently earned recognition as the Southern New England Leader of Impact from the American Heart Association. The honor is part … Read more
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, 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, has been championing change in Greater New Haven through its Go Red for Women® reception. This empowering event, part … Read more
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement urges Connecticut to join the fight against the No. 1 killer of women Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness … Read more
The American Heart Association and the National Football League award grants nationwide to help promote healthier schools Physical activity is vital to American students’ physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day, yet most youth are not getting enough movement. According to the American Heart Association, only … Read more
The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has been awarded a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI). This funding will strengthen community-based programs designed to reduce long-standing … Read more
Hartford HealthCare joins the American Heart Association in engaging residents to create a community of lifesavers with a Hands-Only CPR Mobile Kiosk 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 … Read more
We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Leigh Pechillo, a remarkable woman whose life was defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Leigh had a rare gift for transforming care into action. From her first days of wheeling patients to their car at the local hospital as a teen to … Read more
PHILADELPHA, PA., Friday, February 6, 2026 — Eleven top scientists in stroke and brain health were recognized for their individual exceptional professional achievements and contributions to stroke and brain health care and research during the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026. Philadelphia was represented among this distinguished group at the world premier meeting for researchers and … Read more
CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. However, 70% of respondents in a recent consumer survey said they were not confident they would respond with CPR in a cardiac emergency. With the goal of changing this statistic, the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation … Read more
Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, four South Central Pennsylvania leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD. The Heart … Read more
Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] During American Heart Month this February, three Central New York leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD. The Heart Association’s Woman … Read more
No matter who you are, no matter how old you are and no matter where you are, paying attention to your heart could save your life. That’s the lesson Derick White learned while on vacation in Toronto in August 2022. A few days earlier, he had been at work in Syracuse, New York when he … Read more
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 comes to women in STEM occupations. Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations but just over 29% of the STEM workforce.[1]That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier … Read more
On Jan. 20, 2026, the American Heart Association announced the promotion of Jaylyn Brown to executive director for Hampton Roads. Brown, a nationally recognized communications leader and award‑winning strategist, has spent the past four years driving some of the Association’s most innovative and high‑impact initiatives in the region in the role of marketing communications director. … Read more
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors are national volunteers who serve as active champions for heart and brain health for all women, everywhere HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Feb. 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only 44% of women are aware that CVD is their greatest … Read more
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement urges Hampton Roads to join the fight against the No. 1 killer of women HAMPTON ROADS, Va., February 3, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks across the … Read more
Joining the Nation of Lifesavers™ will train bystanders to become first responders until help arrives HAMPTON ROADS, Va., February 5, 2026 — The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update shows that while meaningful progress continues in reducing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher rates of heart … Read more
Hundreds of women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign to champion heart health HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Fri. 6, 2026 — Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, four Hampton Roads … Read more
MVP Health Care and Albany County, through the Innovation Partnership, once again make American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training available to community Since the American Heart Association began its Nation of Lifesavers campaign to train people in Hands-Only CPR, more than 17 million people have learned this lifesaving skill. “Knowing Hands-Only CPR can mean the … Read more
Men and women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaigns to champion heart health Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five Capital Region leaders are joining the local Men Go Red and … Read more
Women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign to champion heart health Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, four Mohawk Valley leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise … Read more
The American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees champion heart health through fundraising and philanthropy More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five woman and teen leaders in Hudson Valley are joining the American … Read more
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
From lifesaving education to powerful moments of recognition, the American Heart Association continues to uplift HBCU communities across Hampton Roads By Alana Coleman, American Heart Association Hampton Roads Marketing Communications Intern Basketball tournaments are full of powerful and exciting moments. One of those came during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball Tournament, during Badge of … Read more
The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball celebrates progress improving heart and brain health On average, someone in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as a heart attack or stroke, every 34 seconds.[1] An aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people, … Read more
Heart disease is personal to Peter Semenza, vice president of philanthropy at St. Peter’s Health Partners. Semenza lost his father to a heart attack in 2004. He turned that loss into something that benefits the community and became a New York State Certified Firefighter and first responder. “Peter’s whole career has been in philanthropy, and … Read more
On Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, thousands of runners and walkers will participate in America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, beginning at Utica University. Area drivers will encounter delays and altered traffic patterns between 7:00 am and noon. We thank the public for their patience and support as we come together to fight heart disease … Read more
Pregnancy and welcoming a new baby into the world can be a joyous time. At the same time, the American Heart Association knows that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms. It can pose a threat to women’s … Read more
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 survival. To help improve cardiac arrest outcomes in Hudson Valley, Ali Hammoud, M.D., … Read more
On May 29, 2025, John Paulsen had taken his lunch break from Ellenville School, a few minutes away at the home of his future in-laws, the Crafts. He had just headed back to school when he heard Stephanie Craft shouting for help. Inside, Paul Craft, 60 years old, had collapsed. Stephanie called 911; John left … Read more
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in the Mohawk Valley 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 prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, president … Read more
Devices bring lifesaving access to Western Tidewater faith communities Hypertension is often called the silent killer, a condition with no symptoms that greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In Western Tidewater, where high blood pressure is more common than in other parts of Hampton Roads, this threat has impacted families for generations. … Read more