Ten Central Pennsylvania hospitals 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. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. These health crises require … Read more
UPMC Altoona’s Caye Gummo to chair the American Heart Association’s 2025 Blair Go Red for Women campaign As the manager of a busy cardiology practice, Caye Gummo knows how important it is to manage blood pressure, maintain healthy habits and reduce the heart disease risk factors you can control. It’s even more important if you … Read more
Beth Kravetz, director of perfusion services for Procirca at UPMC Altoona, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2024 Blair 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
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
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
To kick off February as American Heart Month, five women from across Blair County, Pennsylvania, are joining the American Heart Association to fight their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the Woman of Impact initiative. Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive … Read more
An essay about making their school heart smart recently earned 16 central Pennsylvania students recognition from the American Heart Association and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and an exclusive STEM education day. The essay contest winners gathered in September at the Children’s Hospital for a full day of hands-on learning experiences, instruction and conversations with … Read more
More than 100 hospitals across Pennsylvania are among the 2,600 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. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. These health … Read more
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, and … Read more
Six prominent women in Blair County, Pa., will help advance heart health and raise lifesaving funds to fight their No. 1 health threat with the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as members of its Blair County 2023 Woman of Impact class. Each year a select group of individuals … Read more
More than 300 people from across Centre County and beyond gathered on Saturday, Oct. 15 to get some healthy physical activity and support the mission of the American Heart Association. The Central PA Heart Walk at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in State College, Pa. raised more than $90,500 for the American Heart Association, exceeding … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting community organizations working to address health disparities in Sunbury, Pennsylvania to apply for a funding opportunity up to $2,500. The funding is being made available for innovative projects that address social determinants of health and are … Read more
Kelly Pleacher always loved helping others. She was a teachers aid, Sunday school teacher and volunteer at charity golf outings. She was a vibrant member of her community in DuBois, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her husband, Tim. On October 3, 2021, at 59 years old, Kelly was rushed to the DuBois Hospital in acute … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Amy Adams, chief executive officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, as the 2022 Central PA Heart Walk chair. In this role Adams is charged with a $84,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, welcomed over 240 supporters back to the Blair Go Red for Women event and fashion show on Thursday, May 26 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona. It was the first time the event was held in-person … Read more
On the ninety-eighth anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association, leaders across Central Pennsylvania are making bold commitments to stand with the Association as it drives toward its 2024 Impact Goal which is focused on improving cardiovascular health for all while identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. “Everyone, no … Read more
Many schools in Philadelphia are faced with lead contamination in their water lines. An environmental report has found that potentially exposing tens of thousands of students to toxins can cause learning and behavioral issues and health problems, including damage to internal organs. The American Heart Association understands the School District of Philadelphia (SDP)’s unique challenges. … Read more
Media Advisory For Immediate Release 6/4/22 Virtual Award Show for American Heart Association What: The American Heart Association will recognize some of its brightest stars and those who have made an impact for the AHA community during the annual National Volunteer Awards. Where: This is a virtual event that will be … Read more
Springfield Township Middle School students waited nearly three years to bring back its annual dodgeball tournament. Greg Cannon and students held a presentation ceremony to present close to $4,000 to the American Heart Association after holding a dodgeball tournament fundraiser held on April 29th. The event was coordinated by teacher, Greg Cannon and two students … Read more
Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to celebrate their reasons … Read more
“Be prepared, not scared” is an excellent motto to say throughout your day-to-day life. It is especially true when it comes to knowing how to perform CPR. In the US alone, almost 500,000 people die of cardiac arrest. Sadly, studies also suggest that only less than half of those who suffer receive CPR assistance from … Read more
After nearly two years away from in person events, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting Blair County women to reunite and “Reclaim Your Rhythm” at the annual Blair Go Red for Women event and fashion show. The event will take place on … Read more
High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure (BP), the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or diastolic … Read more
Weis Markets is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives – by giving. From Feb. 1 … Read more
Brown’s Super Stores, Oak Street Health, and AHA Collaborate to establish a Community-based Blood Pressure Screening, Education, and Referral Initiative. Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which kill more Philadelphians than any other disease, accounting for 3,417 deaths in 2019. Philadelphia’s health significantly lags behind other major cities despite overall progress … Read more
Click here – Heart Month 2022 Reclaim your Rhythm – Final February marks the start of Heart Month and Friday; February 4th is National Wear Red Day. Wearing RED is not just for people, it’s for offices, homes, buildings, bridges, parks, and landmarks too! This year you can help us in the fight against heart … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recently recognized Patricia Savage, PhD, CEO of Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, with a Leadership Legacy Award for her exceptional service and contributions to the success of its Eastern States region over a significant period of time. Pat serves … Read more
More than 100 attendees of Friday night high school football games across the Susquehanna Valley in Central Pennsylvania learned how to save a life using Hands-Only CPR last month, thanks to the help of Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health … Read more
Scott Allen knows his family health history, and it is his life’s guiding principal! As a young child, Scott grew up in a house where eating a low cholesterol diet was a priority. His father had a history of heart disease, and his mother did everything she could to keep him and her children well. … Read more
On October 23, 2021, the Fall Southern New Jersey Heart Walk took place at the Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford, NJ. This was the first outdoor and in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic. Over 600 people and even a few pets attended the Heart Walk and raised over $100,000. Nicholas Scardino, VP of Truist Bank served as the Fall Heart Walk Chairman. During an interview with POP 99.9 FM, he shared that he is a heart survivor and how he experienced a heart attack while looking in the mirror getting ready for work. Emma Kimenhour, Development Director for South New Jersey, and her team ensured that everyone was safe while having a great time.
The Heart Walk is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.
Thank you to BB&T now Truist Bank, Zallies Shop Rite, Virtua Health System, Jefferson, Lockheed Martin, Bayada, M & T Bank, Pop FM 99.9 radio, Riverwinds Community Center, and the many other sponsors who supported the walk and for all those who volunteered to make this a successful event. It’s not too late to donate, go to www.snjfallhw.org.
Contact Emma.Kimenhour@heart.org for more information and how to participate in the 2022 Spring Heart Walk, date, time, and location to be determined.
Nearly 150 participants gathered at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on a rainy morning on Saturday, Oct. 6 for the annual Central PA Heart Walk. The event reached its $84,000 fundraising goal for the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, while promoting physical and mental … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the top awardees of its first-ever EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based hosted by the Eastern States region. The first-place grant of $50,000 was awarded to Pastor Cynthia Wallace of Bible Center Church in the Homewood neighborhood of … Read more
Philadelphia, July 22, 2021 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc and Head of Americas at Siemens Healthineers as Heart Walk Chairman for the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk. In this role, Pacitti is … Read more
Grant will fund projects aimed at reducing racial disparities in breast and prostate cancer patients with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease July 19, 2021 Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE PHILADELPHIA— The Cardio-Oncology Translational Center of Excellence at Penn Medicine has been awarded $2.9 million by the American Heart Association as part of a larger effort to reduce disparities … Read more
June 16th marks the fifth anniversary of the 13-4 vote to tax sweetened beverages in Philadelphia. This victory did not come easy, but it has paved the roadway for other cities to adopt a similar tax. Today we say thank you to the volunteers and community partners who helped make Philadelphia the first major American … Read more
Over $105,000 in Grants Will be Awarded to Local Community Leaders Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and providing communities with much needed guidance and support. … Read more
Webinar panelists share wisdom around community impact.
The power of partnerships built on trust, dignity and respect was a key theme during March 17th’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Zoom webinar, hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA), Eastern States region.
“When you see value in people, it affirms that value that is in you,” said Dr. Abraham Shanklin, Jr. Founder/Executive Director of the Center for Transformation in Maryland, an AHA collaborator.
During the webinar, Shanklin and ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church Rev. Leroy Miles, Jr. of Philadelphia, provided tips based on their own experiences in bolstering scalable community impact.
“It’s about those relationships that give you access,” said Miles. “Don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to ask.”
Bishop Shanklin
Shanklin and Miles offered wisdom gleaned from their own community leadership experiences to inspire webinar participants as AHA, Eastern States region launched the application cycle opening for it’s EmPOWERED to Serve Faith-Based Accelerator. The Faith-Based Accelerator is a grant-funding initiative for faith institutions and leaders to continue and scale their business models aimed at addressing social determinants of health in their communities. AHA aligns with faith-based communities to improve health and empower sustainable outcomes. Applications for a total of $105K in grant funding to communities of faith in select states will be accepted through April 30, 2021. Learn more or apply here.
Reverend Miles
Shanklin and Miles were joined by AHA’s Vice President, Health Equity and National Partnerships Pamela Garmon-Johnson, who emphasized how important it is to deploy resources “connecting the dots so that we can have the greatest impact on our communities.”
“We have been charged with a purpose in order to be the voice for the voiceless….when we put all of our resources together that is when we can truly, truly put together the greatest difference,” said Garmon-Johnson.
Both Miles and Shanklin have successfully bolstered efforts to positively impact the social determinants of health in their own communities — factors that influence where and how people live, learn, work and play and provide context to a person’s life. Social determinants can play just as big of a role in affecting health as medications and physical lifestyle changes. Their work has included focusing on recidivism, family stability, food security, and health knowledge.
“We’ve tried to be a model and help you replicate [successful programs] at your spot,” said Miles, who collaborated to move ENON’s annual “Know Your Numbers” health-screening day, aimed at reaching 1,000 Philadelphia men, to a drive-through experience amid COVID-19. Participants were able to get take-home colon screening kits, HIV screenings, BP checks, glucose, cholesterol, and COVID screenings at the event which Miles termed a “significant pivot in such a time as this.” AHA provided take-home blood pressure kits for self-monitoring for those who were found to be hypertensive.
“You all are heroes in your respective areas, the assignments that you have, the passion that you have. All of these ideas [we are putting forth], they serve just as starting blocks,” said Shanklin. Among the many initiatives of the Center, Shanklin and his partners were able to feed 1200 people in Maryland and distribute over 50K pounds of food by leveraging county relationships.
Both Miles and Shanklin highlighted the value of partnering with organizations, including AHA. “I love the partnerships with AHA and EmPOWERED to Serve,” said Shanklin. Miles noted that the reimagined “Know Your Numbers” program gained traction due to partnerships with local AHA board members and Einstein Health.
“Powerful partnerships, meeting people where they are, and speaking with a trustworthy voice are three of the AHA’s Guiding Values — our 10 commitments to health equity — this shores up making sure that we are holding ourselves accountable so that we can make an impact,” said Garmon-Johnson.
American Heart Association, Eastern States Vice President Health Strategies Rhonda Ford-Chatmon asked webinar participants to provide feedback so that AHA can continue to strengthen community partnerships.
“Tell us what you need. We are here to be responsible. We are listening to you, and we want to be of help,” said Ford-Chatmon. She invited anyone with community needs to email questions or ideas to 2021FaithBasedAccelerator@heart.org
Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and providing communities with much needed guidance and support. That is why the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region is … Read more
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting more people than ever to join a “virtual mask-erade” at the 2021 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball, which will be transformed into a digital experience for the first time. The event will be held online using Zoom … Read more
The challenges facing our world are many – from timely concerns such as the coronavirus pandemic and the renewed emphasis it has placed on the need to dismantle structural racism to the ongoing challenges of treating and beating the top two killers around the globe: heart disease and stroke. As president of the American Heart … Read more
Long before the pandemic, systemic challenges have contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, as well as immigration status, occupation, and language preference, have … Read more
On May 15, the Eastern States Community Impact team launched the first webinar of a series designed to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. The webinar was offered to health equity leaders nationwide and was attended by approximately 1,035 participants. During the webinar, implications of COVID-19 from the perspective of economics, education, … Read more
Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, have been mostly responsible … Read more
Updated May 29, 2020 Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, … Read more
