Heart failure after childbirth

How Kirsten survived peripartum cardiomyopathy  Kirsten, 31, a busy mom and licensed professional therapist, enjoyed cooking and spending time with her large, extended family. She and her husband were recently married and thrilled to be expecting their first child together. Her pregnancy had been fairly routine; however, in her third trimester, she began having concerning dreams.  “One dream … Read more

A Saturday of Health and Hope in West Philadelphia 

On a Saturday in September, the Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry in West Philadelphia became more than just a place to pick up groceries. It transformed into a vibrant hub of health, connection and community empowerment.  During the pantry’s regular distribution hours, residents were greeted not only by volunteers handing out food, but also by a team … Read more

Philadelphia Eagles player urges fans to join Nation of Lifesavers, learn lifesaving CPR

The American Heart Association and NFL team up to boost CPR readiness on World Restart a Heart Day 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 places annually on Oct. 16. … Read more

Blue Bell Elementary student wins national prize Super Bowl tickets

Hands-Only CPR education offered through the American Heart Association’s in-school programs and supports mission critical work to improve the chain of survival Five students and five schools have been awarded special incentive prizes as part of a collaboration between the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for … Read more

Volunteers lead year-round campaign to improve health in Philadelphia

Vishal Patel and Kernika Gupta

Kernika Gupta and Vishal Patel named 2026 American Heart Association Greater Philadelphia Heart Ball Chairs For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Philadelphia’s Heart Ball campaign, Kernika Gupta and Vishal Patel, of the Brave Lights Foundation and volunteer Association chairpersons will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Philadelphia has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress … Read more

32 hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke

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 Thirty-two hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania 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 experience heart disease or stroke. … Read more

Temple Health joins citywide effort to tackle the silent killer

With high blood pressure affecting over a third of residents, a collaboration aims to break down barriers to care and save lives At least 33 percent of people in North Philadelphia suffer from high blood pressure. But many don’t know it – that’s why hypertension is often called “the silent killer.” By age 55, three … Read more

Philadelphia City Council Approves $500,000 To Improve Access to Healthy Foods

Far too many Philadelphians lack access to healthy foods, while food insecurity has increased during the past three years. Over 980,000 Philadelphians live in an area of an overabundance of unhealthy foods. According to a report published by Feeding America, more than 30% of children are food insecure in Philadelphia. A healthy diet and lifestyle … Read more

Philadelphia Unites to Combat High Blood Pressure at Penn Medicine Learning Collaborative 

group of participants in the Edward S. Cooper Learning Collaborative

Over 40 healthcare professionals, community leaders and public health advocates gathered recently at Penn Medicine for the Edward S. Cooper M.D. Learning Collaborative, an inaugural event focused on addressing the high prevalence of high blood pressure in Philadelphia.  Hosted by Penn Medicine and the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association (AHA), the event is part of … Read more

Teaming up one self-measured blood pressure program at a time

large corner building

West Philadelphia’s Spectrum Health Services recently launched its Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) program as part of the Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative, a collaboration of the American Heart Association and Penn Medicine. The collaboration aims to address the high prevalence of hypertension in West and Southwest Philadelphia over the next three … Read more

Philadelphia bank president takes the helm to save lives

Citizens Daniel Fitzpatrick mobilizes Philadelphia’s corporate and community leaders to build community of lifesavers as chair of American Heart Association Heart Walk Daniel Fitzpatrick, CFA, President of Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West Regions of Citizens, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chair to build a community of lifesavers in Philadelphia. Under … Read more

Addressing High Blood Pressure in Philadelphia: Learning Collaborative Event at Penn Medicine

Blood pressure cuff with AHA and Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure logo with event information

One in three people in Philadelphia, particularly in areas like West and Southwest Philadelphia, suffer from high blood pressure. Despite having no obvious symptoms, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. To tackle this pressing health concern, the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association and Penn Medicine … Read more

Heart Month: Addressing Heart Health in Philadelphia

community advocates at Philadelphia City Hall

On Tuesday, February 4, the American Heart Association hosted its first ever “Heart Month at City Hall” Day in Philadelphia. Throughout the morning, advocates met with Philadelphia Councilmembers and their staff. During these meetings, advocates reiterated that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Philadelphia, 1/3 of adults are affected by high blood … Read more

Advocating for Improved Access to Care: A Community Forum Recap

participants in the Advocate Community Forum

On Thursday, January 30, the Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH) initiative held its fifth Advocate Community Forum at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) in Philadelphia. This forum was a continuation of ongoing efforts to engage with community members and discuss the critical issue of advocating for improved access to care. Philadelphia faces unique challenges in … Read more

Community Collaboration to Combat High Blood Pressure: A Day of Service at Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry

Penn Medicine students with blood pressure information

On January 22, the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Philadelphia staff and Penn Medicine volunteers joined forces with the dedicated team at Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry in West Philadelphia. Together, they stocked the pantry, distributed food and provided blood pressure screenings to the local community. This volunteer effort is part of a larger … Read more

Spring-Ford Intermediate 5/6 Center Achieves National Recognition for American Heart Challenge Fundraising Efforts

The Spring-Ford Intermediate 5/6 Center, part of the Spring-Ford School District in Montgomery County, has been honored as the No. 5 school in the nation for its outstanding participation in the American Heart Challenge (AHC). This remarkable achievement has resulted in a significant contribution of $21,429 to the American Heart Association (AHA), a global force … Read more

Penn Medicine, the American Heart Association, and Community Organizations are Teaming Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure in West and Southwest Philadelphia

Group photo of AHA, Penn Medicine and community and clinical partners holding certificates and a ceremonial jersey

Initiative Kickoff at Second Baptist Church Food Pantry Penn Medicine and the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association (AHA) launched a collaborative effort aimed at taking down the toll of high blood pressure in the community by removing barriers to accurate blood pressure measurement and helping people get earlier diagnosis and treatment in partnership with a … Read more

A heartbeat away: A husband’s heroic rescue

Patti and Kevin Trabocco are as devoted a couple as you could possibly find. Married since 1999, they raised two boys together, and share a deep love for the Jersey shore and the Philadelphia Eagles. To see them laughing together as they often do, one would never know how much they both have been through. … Read more

Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health Hosts First Advocacy Day at City Hall

Advocacy Day Highlights Collaborative Efforts to Address Health Equity in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH), powered by Bank of America and together with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and University of Michigan School of Public Health, recently hosted its inaugural Advocacy Day at City Hall.  The CFEH … Read more

CFEH’s Fourth Advocacy Forum: Community-Driven Strategies for Equitable Health in Philadelphia

Community Members Come Together at Collaboration for Equitable Health’s Fourth Advocacy Forum to Hear Progress and Discuss How to Best Engage with Decision Makers The Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH) in Philadelphia, a health equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer … Read more

Philadelphia social entrepreneurs address root causes of community violence

Headshot of Kenneth and Andréa Frazier

The American Heart Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund invests in local sustainable solutions that help youth and young adults find employment, help and hope PHILADELPHIA, June 24, 2024 — About 80% of an individual’s modifiable health contributors are determined by social and economic factors.[1] Exposure to violence can have detrimental health implications contributing to … Read more

Kiely Family of Companies’ senior vice president takes steps to save lives

The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce James “Jim” Pagano, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Kiely Family of Companies, will serve as chair of the 2024 Southern New Jersey Heart Walk. The Heart Walk supports the lifesaving work of the American … Read more

Independence Blue Cross President & CEO steps up to save lives in Greater Philadelphia

Greg Deavens headshot

Gregory Deavens leads American Heart Association’s 2024 Philadelphia Heart Walk Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Philadelphia and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is working together with the American Heart Association (AHA) to build a world of longer, healthier lives. The American Heart Association is announcing that IBX President and CEO Gregory E. … Read more