Hampton Roads

Over 100 doulas and postpartum professionals make the commitment to ensure maternal health is a priority everywhere

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The American Heart Association Hampton Roads held a symposium for area doulas to discuss the changes, causes and impacts of cardiovascular disease in pregnant and postpartum women Pregnancy related deaths … Read more

The Port of Virginia Officer and Sentara Health Vice President to lead local effort driving equitable health

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Hampton Roads Heart Ball Co-Chairs Left: Cathie Vick, Right: Ashford Denman

Cathie Vick and Ashford Denman named co-chairs of 2024 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Ball  As plans are underway for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball, Cathie Vick, Chief … Read more

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center President and TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg President to lead 2023-24 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women movement

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Dr. Amber Price and Alexis Swann to chair the American Heart Association’s flagship women’s heart health initiative Amber Price, DNP, CNM, MSN, RN, President, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and … 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 … Read more

Sentara Hospital, Regional Presidents to Co-Chair 2023 Hampton Roads Heart & Stroke Ball

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Two Sentara Healthcare executives will co-chair the American Heart Association’s annual Heart & Stroke Ball in 2023. Liisa Ortegon, President of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and Terrie Edwards, Southside Region President, will also co-lead a continuing campaign called Heart of Hampton Roads, which is focused on improving health equity and preventing heart attacks and strokes. The Heart & Stroke Ball celebrates the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association.

“Both Liisa Ortegon and Terrie Edwards, exemplify leadership and commitment and they are the ideal individuals to head our Heart Ball campaign,” says Scott Kern, AHA Hampton Roads Board Chair. “They understand the impact the AHA’s mission and work can have on every person who lives in this area.” Ortegon and Edwards each bring more than 30 years of health care experience, ranging from bedside nursing to service line and hospital administration.

Liisa Ortegon leads the Hampton Roads region’s Level 1 adult trauma and tertiary referral center, which is also home to the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance. The Sentara Norfolk General Hospital campus also includes the nationally ranked Sentara Heart Hospital. Prior to Sentara, Ortegon served as Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Nursing Executive at Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, where she led transformational projects for cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, neurology, oncology and organ transplants.

“I’m passionate about the work we do to meet people where they are and provide access to quality care and services, Ortegon says. “We all know someone whose life has been touched by heart disease or stroke. If we and the American Heart Association can help more people understand how to reduce the risks and learn the warning signs and symptoms, we can help people live longer, healthier lives.”

Ortegon invests considerable personal time supporting community organizations. She serves on the executive committee of the board of directors of the Greater Norfolk Corporation. She serves on the board of directors of the Sentara College of Health Sciences. She serves on the board of directors and finance committee for Didlake, Inc, whose mission is to secure meaningful employment for people with disabilities, and she is an advisory board member of the Governor’s Health Science Academy of Norfolk Public Schools.

As Southside Regional President for Sentara Healthcare, Terrie Edwards oversees five area hospitals and Operational Process Improvement for the 12-hospital non-profit health system. Edwards previously served as Peninsula Region President for four years. She joined Sentara more than 14 years ago as President of Sentara Leigh Hospital during its on-site reinvention from a 1970s facility to a state-of-the-art replacement hospital, which was completed in 2016.

“I have experienced the effects of heart disease and stroke in my own family,” Edwards says. “Together, we must live the American Heart Association’s mission and do whatever we can to make a lasting impact on heart disease and stroke,” said Edwards. “These diseases do not discriminate, and it is up to us to be a relentless force for monumental change in our community.”

The 2023 Hampton Roads Heart & Stroke Ball is slated for May 20, 2023, at Marriott Norfolk Waterside. The annual celebratory event is a night to honor survivors, patrons and volunteers of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health. The evening will feature stories from survivors, as well as dinner, dancing, and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Hampton Roads Heart & Stroke Ball, contact Laura Bynum at laura.bynum@heart.org or 757-812-4654.

The American Heart Association’s Heart of Hampton Roads campaign is a year-round effort culminating at the annual Heart & Stroke Ball. The initiative raises funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Hampton Roads. Increasing nutrition security, improving blood pressure, reducing risks for women, addressing tobacco & vaping and educating others on Hands-Only CPR has been identified by the American Heart Association Hampton Roads board for 2023 to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal by reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

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 … 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 … 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 … 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.

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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, … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more

Patients, consumers, and health policy experts advocate at Virginia State Capitol for access to high-quality health insurance coverage, pre-existing conditions protections for all Virginians

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 Healthy Market VA, a coalition of organizations representing thousands of Virginians with chronic diseases, small business owners, and older adults spoke out on Tuesday, January 28 at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond to ensure that preserving life-saving patient protections and strengthening Virginia’s health insurance marketplace are top priorities for lawmakers this session.

State lawmakers are considering expanding access to health plans that are not thorough enough and put people in danger of not having the insurance coverage they need if they get sick. This could lead to high medical debt, the spread of poor-quality insurance options, and increased illness and death.

Patients shared stories with legislators about how they’ve managed their chronic conditions and why it’s important for Virginia to ensure that pre-existing conditions are protected. Avis Thomas of Richmond, Virginia is mother of four, a kidney transplant recipient, and has suffered life-long health issues. Her children and husband also suffer from chronic health issues. “Nobody signs up to have a pre-existing condition. With all the stressors of life, I can’t seem to shake the hardship of finding affordable and comprehensive healthcare,” she shared.

A local small business owner, Tierra Henderson also of Richmond, shared her story and discussed how current policies impact small business health coverage. “If I am unable to afford comprehensive health plans for my employees, I cannot attract a qualified workforce,” Henderson said.

Physician advocates talked about the need for access to care for Virginia’s most vulnerable populations. “As a physician, I see the importance of affordable, high-quality insurance for every person and family, including those with pre-existing conditions, small business owners, and older adults.”  says advocate Dr. Nina Solenski from Albemarle County and member of the American Heart Association’s Virginia Advocacy Committee.

Even if you couldn’t make it to the Capitol, you can still take action. Contact your legislators and tell them to support affordable high quality health care access for all.   Access to health care should put patients first. By supporting these issues, we can ensure that affordable, high quality health care is available for all Virginians.  Follow along on social media with #DefendPreEx and #HealthyMarketVA.

Healthy Market VA works to ensure access to affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage for everyone by strengthening Virginia’s health insurance marketplace. It is made up of health organizations including: American Heart Association, AARP Virginia, Arthritis Foundation, VPLC, The Commonwealth Institute, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, American Lung Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Small Business Majority, Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Hemophilia Foundation and the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area.

 Check out the Virginia News Service story: https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-01-30/health-issues/va-lawmakers-urged-to-swap-aca-for-less-expensive-state-plan/a69052-1

The American Heart Association and Health Organizations Respond to Governor Northam’s 2021 Budget Tobacco Tax Increase

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“The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Medical Society of Virginia, and Tobacco21.org appreciate the Governor including an increase in funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, seeking funding for reinsurance, and including a tobacco tax in his proposed 2021 budget. However, the proposed cigarette tax increase of $0.30 is insignificant and far too low to protect youth from becoming addicted to tobacco and not the best mechanism to fully fund reinsurance.

“Virginia currently ranks 50th in the nation on cigarette taxes and is in desperate need of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to stop the tobacco industry from targeting our youth. The Governor’s proposed tax increase would still fall far below the national average state tax on cigarettes, which $1.81.

“We urge the Virginia Legislature to increase the tobacco tax by at least $1.00 and levy a comparable wholesale tax on all tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and heated- products. The evidence is overwhelming that increasing the tobacco tax by at least $1.00 would prevent thousands of Virginia children from never taking up smoking, encourage thousands of adults to stop smoking, save millions in health care costs, and provide resources to allow the state to more appropriately fund tobacco cessation and prevention.

“A higher tobacco tax would allow the state to both fund reinsurance and devote more funds to cessation. An increase of $1.50 could generate over $430 million for these important programs.

“The proposed $0.066 per milliliter e-cigarette tax is too small to create any public health benefits and instead should be a percentage tax applied at wholesale. With the proposed tax, it would be roughly 4 cents increase per e-cigarette pod. The amount is nominal and does not serve as a deterrent to prevent and protect youth from tobacco.

“Virginia youth and families deserve more protections from the tobacco industry. The current youth vaping epidemic is threatening the health of Virginia children―permanent and immediate solutions to protect them from a lifetime of tobacco and nicotine addiction are needed now.

“The time is now to protect our youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction. We look forward to working closely with the Governor and General Assembly on a permanent and adequate solution to this public health emergency.”