Delaware

Fall Healthy for Good workshops help Delaware residents build healthier habits 

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Healthy for Good participants holding up completion certificates

This October, the American Heart Association hosted a series of Healthy for Good workshops in Dover and Wilmington, giving local residents practical tools to cook healthier meals, shop smarter and feel more confident making everyday choices that support their well-being.  Over four weeks, participants met once a week at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover and at the Central … Read more

New members join initiative championing health in schools across the Northeast

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Superintendents across the Northeast region are working with the American Heart Association to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Nineteen superintendents were selected to serve as volunteer leaders for the second year of the Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council. In its second year, the Superintendent Council has new leadership. Mark Laurrie, … Read more

Hundreds unite in Wilmington to build a community of lifesavers 

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The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, drives critical cardiovascular research  WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 8, 2025 — Hundreds of people came out despite the rain at the Wilmington Heart Walk on Sunday at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, to raise funds in support of the mission of the American Heart Association, a … Read more

Six Delaware Hospitals Recognized for Improving Patient Outcomes in Heart Disease and Stroke Care

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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 Six Delaware 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 … Read more

Delaware Libraries are helping communities take control of their blood pressure

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High blood pressure is a silent threat—often with no symptoms until it’s too late. But in Delaware, libraries are helping to change that.  The American Heart Association and Delaware Libraries have teamed up to offer blood pressure cuff loaner programs at libraries across the state. Residents can check out a cuff for free—just like a … Read more

 Delaware Heart Ball raises over $100,000 to support heart and brain health across the First State

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Annual event celebrates record-breaking year, raising critical funds and awareness for heart disease, and stroke in Delaware WILMINGTON, DE, May 6, 2025 — The 2025 Delaware Heart Ball united hundreds of community leaders, survivors and advocates on May 2 at the historic Hotel Du Pont to celebrate progress and raise critical funs to advance heart … Read more

Husband-and-Wife Team Takes the Helm to Save Lives in Southern Delaware 

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Ben and Sarah Collins

Ben Collins and Sarah Neely-Collins Mobilize Southern Delaware’s Corporate Leaders to Build a Community of Lifesavers as Co-Chairs of the American Heart Association Heart Walk  Dover, DE, March 4, 2025 — Ben Collins, senior director of operations for Bayhealth’s Cardiovascular Service Line, and Sarah Neely-Collins, oncology nurse practitioner at Bayhealth, are joining forces not just … Read more

Community comes together to empower Delawareans with healthy life skills 

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Healthy for Life participants holding up their completion certificates

Caption: Healthy for Life participants holding up their completion certificates American Heart Association and Bayhealth implement four-week Healthy for Life® Workshop Series to provide hands-on education in blood pressure, blood sugar, mindful eating, and healthy lifestyle choices  DOVER, DE, November 2, 2024 — This fall, the American Heart Association, with sponsorship from Bayhealth, hosted its … Read more

Four Delaware Leaders Join Nationwide Effort to Ensure Equitable Health for All

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The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ Delaware nominees work to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere through community fundraising and philanthropy. Wilmington, DE, October 17, 2024 – The American Heart Association believes that everyone, everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why four Delaware leaders are joining the Association’s … Read more

American Heart Association Welcomes Jim Murphy as Executive Director for Delaware

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James Murphy, ED, AHA Delaware

Jim Murphy Brings Extensive Business and Community Expertise to Lead the AHA’s Efforts in Delaware WILMINGTON, Sept.  11, 2024 — The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Murphy as the new Executive Director for Delaware, effective … Read more

Four Tips to Stay Safe This Summer

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Summer is a time for fun in the sun, beach outings, and outdoor adventures. However, the hot weather and increased outdoor activities can pose various health risks. Bayhealth Pediatrician Colleen Allorto, DO, shares four essential tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the summer months. Stay Hydrated “Hot weather can lead to excessive sweating, … Read more

6 hospitals in Delaware recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke

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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 NEWARK, July 18, 2024 — 6 hospitals in Delaware are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® and other programs to improve outcomes … Read more

Beebe Healthcare’s executive director takes steps to save lives in Southern Delaware

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Trobiano to chair 2024 Southern Delaware Heart Walk March 2024, Rehoboth DE – The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is pleased to announce Thomas Trobiano, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, MAPC, Executive Director of Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Services and Clinical Operations with Beebe Healthcare, will serve as chair for the … Read more

CSC Global’s Director of Technology named chair of Delaware STEM Goes Red mentor event

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Andréa Frazier

Marsha Auld-Saunders to chair the American Heart Association’s Delaware 2023-24 STEM Goes Red event Dover, DE March 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading non profit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Marsha Auld- Saunders, director of technology for CSC Global, will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the … Read more

Bayhealth’s Chief Nurse Executive leads local movement to improve women’s heart health

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Rosemary Wurster to chair the American Heart Association’s Delaware 2023-24 Go Red for Women® Dover, DE March 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading non profit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Rosemary Wurster, chief nurse executive for Bayhealth, will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2023-2024 … Read more

ChristianaCare’s medical director takes the lead in fight against heart disease and stroke in Delaware

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The American Heart Association announces Dr. Kirk Garratt as chair of the 2024 Wilmington Heart Walk  Wilmington, DE, March 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading non-profit organization focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke, is proud to announce Dr. Kirk Garratt, medical director for ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart and Vascular Health, as the … Read more

The Dangers of Vaping

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Most people know that smoking increases risk for lung cancer and for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, long-term condition affecting the lungs that also includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. But there are several more reasons you should ditch cigarettes, vaping, and … Read more

The Differences Between COVID-19, Flu, Allergies and Colds

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When a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or cough appear, you might ask yourself, “Do I have COVID-19, the flu, allergies or a cold?” It is easy to get confused because each share similar symptoms. Bayhealth Vice President of Quality and Medical Affairs John Fink, MD, said to know for certain, you need to … Read more

Ways to Treat Shingles

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Did you know that one out of three people in the U.S. will develop the shingles virus in their lifetime? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there’s an estimated one million cases of shingles each year. Don’t be scared by those numbers- shingles is preventable and treatable. “One of the infections that primary care physicians … Read more

The Connection Between Mental Health and Heart Health

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Your heart is undeniably linked to your head—mentally, emotionally and physiologically. In many ways, this can be of benefit. However, there can be negatives associated with their connection too. Studies show that stroke survivors or those living with heart disease are at higher risk for anxiety and depression. The effects that poor mental health can … Read more

Patient Never Misses A Beat

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For most people, hearing they need heart surgery conjures feelings of anxiety—wondering how painful recovery will be, how large of a scar will be left, or what their life will be like afterward. Sheila Putnam knows this feeling first-hand. Putnam moved to Delaware from New York several years ago. Having lived with a heart murmur … Read more

Walgreens supports heart and brain health through the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign

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Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is once again 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 … Read more

Guest Blog Post: Bayhealth Interventional Cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi shares “Your health is too precious to take risks, learn the signs of a heart attack and stroke”

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Your health is too precious to take risks–particularly when you’re having a medical emergency. Warning signs of a heart attack or stroke should never be ignored. Getting immediate care by calling 911 is the safest choice you can make, and it could save your life. Bayhealth’s emergency teams are ready to provide timely care to … Read more

Wegmans and the American Heart Association teaming up to save lives through CPR

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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

PVD and PAD: Similar yet different

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In order to care for your health in the best manner possible, it’s important to understand conditions and how to prevent them. Certain diseases are so alike, they are often associated with one another. However, knowing even subtle differences can be beneficial to prevention—and that’s certainly the case with PAD and PVD. PAD, peripheral arterial … Read more

Delaware Celebrates Executives

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The American Heart Association Delaware hosted its annual Appreciation Executive Breakfast on February 24th to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate — our top supporters of the Heart Walk – our sponsors, top walkers, top team captains, donors, and valued volunteers. The 2022 Wilmington Heart Walk was a great success, raising $328,000 in revenue.   Along with our … Read more

American Heart Association Announces Chair for 2023 Delaware Heart Ball

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Allison Kerwin, Senior Vice President of Delaware Commercial Real Estate for M&T Bank, will serve in leadership role. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Allison Kerwin, senior vice president of Delaware Commercial Real Estate for M&T Bank, as chair of the 2023 … Read more

1 Million Dollar Transformational Gift Creates Big Change in Delaware

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The American Heart Association is excited and humbled to announce, Thom Harvey, Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna & Associates (HHA) and his wife Robin have donated 1 million dollars to forward the mission of the American Heart Association in the state of Delaware. With this transformational gift, the Harvey and Hanna Family Healthy Hearts … Read more

Don’t Delay: Risks of Waiting to Have Your Heart Checked 

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When it comes to your heart, you can never be too careful. Preventing heart conditions, such as cardiac arrest or heart disease, can begin today. Sometimes all it takes to begin making incremental changes is an increased awareness. Your daily habits, both big and small, will determine what kind of life you will lead years … Read more

Damar Hamlin’s Inspiring Recovery: CPR Saves Lives 

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While playing in the Buffalo Bills – Cincinnati Bengals game on Monday Night Football on January 2, Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after a hit and was administered CPR on the field before being transferred to an area hospital.

Hamlin reportedly experienced a cardiac arrest – when the heart stops abruptly with little or no warning. Early recognition of cardiac arrest improves the person’s chance of survival and is key to starting the correct care of CPR and the appropriate use of defibrillation to restart the heart. The on-site medical team evaluated the situation and appeared to quickly remove his safety pads, begin CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED).  

CPR can help keep the heart pumping and blood flowing to vital organs until an electrical shock from a defibrillator is available to restore the heart to a normal heart rhythm. Then the patient can be safely moved for further medical treatment, supportive care, testing to determine what the cause of the arrest may have been and recovery, including both physical and mental health resources for the person and their family.

Possible causes

Cardiac arrest can have several causes. Since Hamlin collapsed immediately following a tackle on the play, one potential cause could be commotio cordis. Commotio cordis is a rare phenomenon from a sudden blunt impact to the chest causing sudden death in the absence of apparent cardiac damage. The blow to the chest at precisely the wrong time in the cardiac cycle causes an electrical abnormality in the heart resulting in  an irregular heart rhythm that cannot pump blood to the body.  Immediate CPR and a shock to reset the rhythm can help the heartbeat return to normal function.

Another cause of cardiac arrest that additional tests are likely to attempt to detect or rule out is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or a thickened heart muscle – a more common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes specifically. The thickened heart can be due to a genetic condition or can be caused by athletic conditioning that thickens the muscles of the heart and can make it more susceptible to an irregular heart rhythm like ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia.

“This was traumatic for everyone, especially Hamlin’s family and teammates but also for so many others involved and witnessing the event. More than 70% of cardiac arrests that do not happen in the hospital, occur in a home where access to medical professionals and an AED is not as readily available,” said Mariell Jessup, M.D., FAHA, chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association. “Recognizing a cardiac arrest, calling 911 immediately, performing CPR and using an AED as soon as it is available are critical for survival.

Statistically speaking, it is likely that the person will need to be helped by a family member or a friend to survive.”

Having community members trained in CPR and AEDs in public spaces can increase the chances of survival. The rate of bystander CPR in North America is estimated at only 39-44%, and only about 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Improving the rate of bystander CPR is critical to increasing survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

The skill to perform CPR and use a defibrillator are the foundational components of preparing laypeople to respond to cardiac arrest. People also need to feel emotionally prepared to respond and be able to cope with the aftermath of performing CPR.

Resources for learning CPR

Each year in the United States, an estimated 350,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest in the community. Anyone who witnesses a cardiac arrest in the community (i.e., not in a hospital) can perform CPR. Roughly 70% of cardiac arrests that do not happen in the hospital, occur in homes and private residences, therefore, a friend or family member is mostly likely to be the person who needs to take action. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double, or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

For adults and adolescent children, Hands-Only CPR is an easy-to-learn skill that requires only two steps: call emergency services and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute.

For more information, visit heart.org

 

Eating for Heart Health

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There are a lot of things we can do to improve our health. Eating a heart healthy diet is one of them. Bayhealth Primary Care Physician, Preeti Gupta, MD, explains, “Maintaining a healthy way of eating can help prevent many ailments, including heart health issues. And I always say, prevention is better than a cure.”

One of the best ways to eat for heart health is with a plant-based diet. It’s a healthy way of eating that won’t have you sacrificing flavor. Better yet, countless studies suggest that eating less meat decreases the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Here are Dr. Gupta’s suggestions to transitioning to a plant-based way of eating.

Plant-based eating
There are three main types of plant-based eating. The strictest is vegan, which eliminates all animal products such as meat, eggs and milk. Next, is vegetarian, which eliminates meat but still allows eggs and dairy products. Both are very heart healthy ways of eating but if they are too much of a leap for you, perhaps you could try the third type of plant-based eating called, “plant-forward” eating.

The plant-forward lifestyle
Eating a plant-forward diet means that you eat vegetables and fruit more often and as your main dish. You can still enjoy meat, eggs and dairy as side items. When you do choose meat, try to stick with lean, skinless poultry and fish, which are excellent sources of protein. Other meats are more likely to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can contribute to poor heart health. You should also avoid processed meats such as deli meats and bacon, which are typically high in sodium.

Load up on veggies
In plant-forward eating, vegetables are the main portion of each meal. Did you know that most vegetables contain protein? Broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, corn, potatoes and peppers are some that provide needed protein. Beans are another source that can add flavor and texture to your meals. Also, have healthy fruit servings throughout the day which will help satisfy the sweet cravings.

Whichever plant-based eating plan you try, remember to choose foods lower in sodium and avoid added sugars, saturated fats, and especially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans-fat. Watch portion sizes and use nonstick cooking sprays rather than added fats when cooking. Don’t forget healthy whole grains such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.

Eliminating certain foods may be easier than you think. Once you begin a plant-based diet, your body will start reaping the benefits almost immediately – and you’ll feel better in general. “Don’t put off living your healthiest life by waiting until Monday to start your nutrition plan,” said Dr. Gupta. “You can do this. Just start now.”

 

This post proudly supported by:

Stay Active this Winter by Visiting DE State Parks

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Some of us may feel the urge to stay inside when the weather starts getting cold, but it is actually a great time to get out and enjoy one of Delaware’s 17 beautiful state parks. Take it from avid runner and Bayhealth Cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi, MD, “It is so important for us to continue our … Read more

302 Food Rescue helps reduce food waste, feed more people through technology

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Built on community relationships between premier sponsor Bayhealth and collaborating organizations the Food Bank of Delaware and American Heart Association & American Stroke Association, a first-in-the-nation statewide food rescue program, 302 Food Rescue, launched on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Milford Food Lion. Thanks to the power of technology and a smart phone app, 302 … Read more

Fighting Food Insecurity for Patients

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Caring for our community goes beyond the Bayhealth Hospital campuses and Bayhealth Medical Group provider offices. Nonmedical variables such as environment, housing, and food insecurity —some of the social influencers of health—play a critical role in people’s well-being and lifelong journey to good health. Patient screenings at Bayhealth hospitals and provider offices have identified food … Read more

Family shares inspirational heart journey

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Thank you to Sophia for sharing her incredible personal story. Read more for her account of this inspiring journey. My name is Sophia Migliorini and when my fiancé Travis Capacete and I found out we were pregnant, we were thrilled. At our 20-week ultrasound, we found out we were having a baby boy and our … Read more

Four Easy Ways to be a Heart-Healthy Family

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Starting and maintaining heart-healthy habits can be a challenge, but it can be easier and more fun when you get your whole family involved. This is the advice of Bayhealth Family Medicine, Dover Resident Physician Eric Moseley, MD. Being heart-healthy as a family makes parents more accountable, and it builds healthy habits for kids that … Read more

Lower Risk of Heart Disease at Your Local Farmers Market

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Growing up in the Peach State of Georgia, Bayhealth Family Medicine Physician Resident H. Kendall Barton, MD, has always enjoyed the summer season and all the fresh fruits and vegetables that come along with it. As a fan of cooking, Dr. Barton says the healthiest ingredients can be found right in your neighborhood – at … Read more

Walgreens supports heart and brain health through the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign

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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

Mark Mumford, Chief Executive, Nemours Will Serve as 2022 Wilmington Heart Walk Chair

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Mark Mumford, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive, Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley, will serve as Chair of the Wilmington Heart Walk 2022. The Heart Walk will be held on the Riverfront in Wilmington on Sunday, October 9 and will support the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world … Read more

Heart Beats for Benjamin

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Natalie Ferry recalls being told, before her son Benjamin was even born, that he had a life-threatening heart condition.  She spent 30 minutes with him at birth and then Benjamin was taken into his first surgery at Nemours Children’ Health. Benjamin has since defied the odds and he inspires us all every day! Benny’s heart … Read more

American Heart Association Announces Chair for its 2022 Southern Delaware Heart Walk

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Bayhealth Cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi, MD, will serve as Chair of the Southern Delaware Heart Walk 2022. The Heart Walk will be held in Rehoboth Beach on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, and will support the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, in Delaware and … Read more

Diabetes and Your Heart

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If you or a loved one are living with diabetes, it’s important to pay attention to your heart health. People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke compared to someone who doesn’t have diabetes. The good news – people with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease … Read more

Is Your Heart Health a Family Matter?

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Our risk of heart disease is something many of us should know—as heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. And, as Bayhealth Cardiologist Mussaber Ahmad, DO, explains, personal risk factors aren’t the only ones to consider.

“Family history is also important to determine overall risk, as there is a genetic component associated with coronary artery disease,” said Dr. Ahmad, who became a doctor because both of his grandfathers passed away from coronary artery disease (CAD) – the most common type of heart disease.

To help figure out if genetics or a family history play a role in your overall risk of heart disease, Dr. Ahmad said you can start with the following key factors.

  • A first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) who has/had heart disease
  • Any relative(s) who has/had any of the following:
    • Angina
    • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
    • Heart failure
    • High cholesterol
    • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
    • Stroke
    • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
    • Thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm

Beyond this list, Dr. Ahmad said there are other factors that need to be taken into account. They include the age and gender of any first-degree relatives with heart disease and your family’s ethnicity/race.

“If a male first-degree relative has CAD before the age of 55 or a female first-degree relative has CAD before the age of 65, this is considered premature CAD, which puts you at higher risk,” explained Dr. Ahmad. “Another important factor is belonging to a high-risk race or ethnicity such as South Asians. By some estimates, South Asians account for up to 60 percent of the world’s heart disease population, despite making up only 25 percent of the world’s general population. Also, compared to the general population, South Asians have up to a four times greater risk of developing heart disease.”

“A history of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or a history of menopause before age 40 are other risk factors women need to consider,” he added.

Putting together your family history will take some time and effort. Dr. Ahmad suggests you start by finding out if your parents, brother(s), and/or sister(s) have or had any of the medical conditions mentioned above or other risk factors.

Once you have your family history compiled be sure to share it with your doctor. “As physicians, we use family history and your personal risk factors to determine 10-year and lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, and then recommend the appropriate therapy based on your risk. Examples of therapies we may prescribe include statins and aspirin,” said Dr. Ahmad.

While family history plays a role, Dr. Ahmad said your personal risk factors for heart disease are most important. This includes ones such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and age. When it comes to age, your risk of heart disease goes up with each decade of life. That’s why Dr. Ahmad also said screening with blood tests and identifying additional risk factors starting at age 20 is a good idea.

For other health tips, visit Bayhealth’s Community Health and Wellness blog  www.bayhealth.org/community-health-and-wellness

Delaware AHA Aims to Control State’s High Blood Pressure Rates

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34.6% of Delawareans have hypertension (or high blood pressure), which is the leading cause of stroke. The state of Delaware has the 4th largest rate of mortality from stroke in the entire US. The American Heart Association has gathered a group of advocates, hospital and private practice representatives, like-minded nonprofit organizations, physicians, and nurses to form the Delaware Hypertension Control Network. The group’s priority is to achieve more than 70% or greater hypertension control across Delaware by 2024.

As part of the Delaware Hypertension Control Network, the American Heart Association has partnered with Delaware Libraries to provide each public library with several Omron Blood Pressure Monitors. This program allows the public to “check out” free blood pressure cuffs for up to 3 weeks for self monitoring purposes.  The monitors are easy to operate and read and include:

  • Monitor
  • Cuff
  • User manual
  • Blood pressure pamphlet
  • Carrying case
  • Batteries

The goal of this program is to remove all barriers to accessable self-monitoring equipment so that members of the community can take the first step towards monitoring and controlling their own blood pressure.  To find out where to pick up your monitoring kit, visit spr.ly/1597

Is Your Heart Health a Family Matter?

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Our risk of heart disease is something many of us should know—as heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. And, as Bayhealth Cardiologist Mussaber Ahmad, DO, explains, personal risk factors aren’t the only ones to consider. “Family history is also important to determine overall risk, as there is a genetic component … Read more

Pittsburgh Pastor Receives Top Grant at the First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

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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

Penn Medicine-Led Research Team Awarded $2.9 Million to Study Heart Disease and Cancer in Black and Hispanic Communities

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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

Five Faith-Based Organizations Named as Finalists in the American Heart Association’s First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

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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

Delaware Celebrates Hypertension Awareness Day by Aiming to Lower Hypertension Rates Across the State

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Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure, is the Leading Cause of Stroke and Disability in the United States 34.6% of Delawareans have hypertension (or high blood pressure), which is the leading cause of stroke. The state of Delaware has the 4th largest rate of mortality from stroke in the entire US. The American Heart … Read more

EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Highlights Powerful Partnerships, Kicks-Off Grant Application Period

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Webinar panelists four-pane
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.”

Shanklin speaking
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.

Miles headsot
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

To watch the entire workshop, click here.

The American Heart Association Launches Funding Initiative Aimed at Supporting Communities through Local Faith Institutions

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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

AHA President: The best way forward requires bridging disciplines, people, places

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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

The AHA Launches 2nd Webinar in a Series Discussing Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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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

ICYMI: Eastern States Launched a Webinar Series on the Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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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

The AHA Convenes Health Equity Leaders to Discuss Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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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

COVID-19: The Impact on Communities of Color

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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

Empowering Entrepreneurs for healthier communities: EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator Finale Event

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We are thrilled to introduce the 2019 EmPOWERED to Serve National Business Accelerator grant recipients!  The October 17th event was hosted in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The top nine candidates presented their innovative concepts and ideas in a shark-tank style program at the event for a chance … Read more

Southern Delaware Heart Walks Raise $100,000!

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Businesses, organizations, families and community groups took steps to live Healthy for Good at the American Heart Association’s 2019 Southern Delaware Heart Walks. Rehoboth Beach and Dover walkers gathered on September 22 and October 5 to raise funds and education for heart disease and stroke. The event raised funds and awareness for the American Heart … Read more