Growing up in Williamstown, West Virginia, Greg Ruf was the picture of health. As a teenager, he excelled in distance running and loved competition. In the spring of his senior year of high school, he was training for the state track meet when everything changed. His heart suddenly began racing uncontrollably. Ruf was an athlete. … Read more
Eduardo Ortiz named chairperson of 2026 Heart of Greater Washington campaign The American Heart Association has announced that Eduardo Ortiz, CEO of Coforma, will serve as chairperson of the 2026 Heart of Greater Washington campaign. This initiative propels the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and underrepresented and … Read more
Joan Vassos’s heart journey began with the birth of her first daughter, Erica on May 2, 1991. Soon after birth, Joan received the news that her baby was born with a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot. At just four and a half months old, her daughter faced open-heart surgery and an uncertain … Read more
The American Heart Association (AHA) Eastern States Region celebrates five outstanding 2024 Volunteer Award Winners. These awards honor individuals and companies for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our cause. This year, the Greater Washington Region is thrilled to celebrate five outstanding awardees. “We are thrilled to honor these outstanding volunteers and organizations,” said Amry … Read more
Dear Supporters & Volunteers, I’m thrilled to share that the DC Council unanimously passed the CPR Act. With support from survivors, physicians, the NFL, students and other advocates, this legislation will ensure that DC schools have cardiac emergency response plans. I want to thank all our advocates, including Board President, Dr. Ameya Kulkarni, Leader of … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Heart Association (AHA), celebrating a century of profound impact on heart health and well-being, has announced new leadership and changes to its Greater Washington Region (GWR) Board of Directors. Ameya Kulkarni, M.D., FSCAI, associate medical director at Kaiser Permanente, will serve a two-year term as president of the GWR Board … Read more
On April 3, 2024, with support from Sheehy Auto Stores, the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region celebrated National Walking Day through a #MoveMoreDC virtual challenge. Community members shared their photos and step counts on social media using #MoveMoreDC and staff from across Sheehy Auto Stores locations participated in a step challenge tracking their steps with … Read more