The ballroom lights glowed softly across the Omni Providence Hotel as more than three hundred guests took their seats. Around the room were physicians and business leaders, longtime volunteers and first-time supporters, survivors and loved ones carrying stories they never expected to tell. All shared one belief, that together more lives can be saved from … Read more
For more than three decades, Rev. Dr. Albert Whitaker has dedicated his life to helping others overcome barriers, improve their health and find hope in the face of adversity. This fall, the American Heart Association recognized that extraordinary legacy, presenting Whitaker with the 2026 Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award at the Southern New England Heart … Read more
Cardiac arrest can happen without warning, often at home and in front of the people who love us most. In those first critical minutes, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. On Aug. 13, 2025, on the eve of her 49th birthday, Jessie moved through an ordinary evening at home … Read more
My father was a special man. His name was Bob Motola. He was a cardiologist, and he loved practicing medicine. Growing up, I knew my dad was a doctor. I told people he repaired hearts. He worked long hours and often rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. Around our dinner table, I heard stories … Read more
On March 12, the Southern New England Community Impact team brought together faith and health in a powerful way, hosting an interfaith heart health event that united Christian congregations, members of the Baha’i Faith, community leaders, and health advocates around a shared purpose: helping people live longer, healthier lives. The gathering opened with a focused … Read more
On Oct. 7, the Southern New England American Heart Association hosted a powerful conversation that brought the latest science in cardiovascular care directly to our community. Local medical experts Edward McGookin, MD, chief of primary care for Brown University Health and Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care, and Martha Kole-White, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics … Read more
The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, and drives critical cardiovascular research PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, October 9, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s Southern New England Heart Walk united more than 3,000 participants on June 7, 2025, raising $449,000 to support lifesaving research, education and community health programs. Held at Rhode … Read more
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, proudly announces the appointment of its 2025-2026 Southern New England Board of Directors. Dr. Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, Chief of Primary Care at Brown Health Medical Group, will continue to serve as Board President. Amy C. Vitale, Esq., Executive … 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 PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 19, 2025 — Nine hospitals in Rhode Island are among the 4,800 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans … Read more
Southern New England American Heart Association shares 2024-2025 Gratitude & Impact Mission Report Mission Statement: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Driving Equitable Health for All The American Heart Association has spent more than a century working to create a world where everyone can live a longer and healthier … Read more
Latest stats show adults, kids aren’t getting enough physical activity for heart health Less than half of adults and fewer than one in five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. That’s why the Association, … Read more
Firm partners with American Heart Association’s year-round campaign to improve health in Southern New England PROVIDENCE, MARCH 4, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Southern New England Heart Ball campaign, DiSanto Priest & Co has volunteered to … Read more
Rhode Islander, Katie Bergantine, JD, shares her personal journey managing maternal heart health Guest Blog Written by Katie Bergantine, JD, of Coventry, Rhode Island with afterword from the American Heart Association Afterword from the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease … Read more
Alexsa Marino joins the American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health Providence, Rhode Island, October 23rd, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce Alexsa Marino, Senior Litigation Counselor at FM, as a Co-chair for the 2025 Southern … Read more
The American Heart Association to recognized mission champion Larry Sadwin at annual event with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award Providence, Rhode Island, October 18, 2024: —Rhode Islander, Larry Sadwin, was honored as the 2024 Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award honoree at this year’s Southern New England Heart Ball. Sadwin has long time championed for … Read more
The American Heart Association urges Southern New Englanders to learn life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR this October 16th Providence, Rhode Island, October 16th, 2024 — The Southern New England community is coming together in a powerful way through the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, uniting to save lives on World Restart a Heart Day. Nine … Read more
Dr. Edward McGookin, President of Coastal Medical Physicians, Inc., was named president of Southern New England’s board. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announced new leadership and members for its 2024-25 Southern New England board of directors. Dr. Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, President of Coastal Medical, will serve … Read more
American Heart Association annual event raises hope by generating funds and awareness to fight heart disease and stroke Providence, Rhode Island, September 26th, 2024 — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1] In addition, an aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors … Read more
Hello All, On June 10, we celebrated 100 years of scientific discovery and innovation by the American Heart Association. Founded in Chicago by six cardiologists, the Association was inspired by a social worker who felt more could be done to help people who suffered heart attacks. From humble beginnings and with a vision of improving … Read more
Community leader to chair American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health Providence, Rhode Island, August 15, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kathryn M. Rattigan, Partner at Robinson+Cole, as a co-chair for the 2025 Southern New England Go … Read more
Heather Scott, senior clinical manager of the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs at UPMC Altoona, will serve as the chairwoman of the 2024 Blair Go Red for Women® Event and Fashion Show. In her role as clinical manager, Heather Scott improves the quality of care that is provided to UPMC Altoona cardiac patients, ensuring each … Read more
Hundreds of people dressed in red will attend the annual Blair Go Red for Women Event and Fashion Show on May 23 starting at 6 p.m. at the Blair County Convention Center to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and raise funds toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of … Read more
Alicia Luciani, senior technical business analyst at Capital Blue Cross, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2024 Capital Region Woman of Impact Winner for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women and improve health and well-being in the local … Read more
More than 70 new soccer balls, footballs, basketballs and other playground balls were recently donated to youth organizations in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, thanks to the American Heart Association and G.F. Bowman. The Lebanon Revolution youth soccer program received a donation of 10 soccer balls and the South Sixth Street Playground in Lebanon received a collection … Read more
It’s now as easy to check your blood pressure as it is to check out a book at the local library. The American Heart Association and WellSpan Health are introducing a blood pressure cuff loaner program at libraries across the region, the newest one at Lititz Public Library in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Blood pressure screenings … Read more
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 928,000 people each year. Geisinger and Evangelical Community Hospital are working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Megan Brosious, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s central region and Saquib Siddiqi, DO, … Read more
As the American Heart Association kicks off its centennial year, Sean McCool of 1st Summit Bank has been named chair of the 2024 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball, set for Saturday, April 13 at The Willow in Johnstown. Sean McCool currently serves as assistant vice president and business relationship manager at 1st Summit Bank. Sean joined … Read more
CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[1]. However, 70% of respondents in a recent consumer survey said they were not confident they would respond with CPR in a cardiac emergency. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, along … Read more
As the American Heart Association kicks off its centennial year, Mary C. Heltzel of Stifel Investments and James Harvey, MD of WellSpan Health, have been named co-chairs of this year’s York Heart Ball. Heltzel, a financial advisor with more than 25 years of experience, serves as senior vice president of investments at Stifel. She focuses … Read more
Every year in the United States, there are more than 23,000 youth who experience a cardiac emergency outside of a hospital and almost 40 percent of those are sports-related. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[1]. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader … Read more
As the American Heart Association kicks off its centennial year, Lisa Lesko and Dr. Julian Esteban of WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital have been named co-chairs of this year’s Lancaster Heart Ball. Lisa Lesko is a registered nurse and currently the director of nursing operations for invasive and non-invasive cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, interventional radiology, the wound … Read more