The American Heart Association Founders Day renews commitment to equitable health
On the ninety-eighth anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association (AHA), Connecticut leaders 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.
“As champions for health equity, the American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full and healthy life,” said Stamford Health cardiologist and AHA Connecticut Board President, Dr. Chris Choi. “Although we have made tremendous progress in fighting heart disease and stroke in our community, our work is far from complete. The American Heart Association Founders Day provides a great reminder that we must continue the fight so every single person in our community has access to the resources they need to be healthy.”
The American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists, and the distinguished achievements of the organization over nearly one hundred years are the result of the passion of more than 40 million volunteers, supporters and employees who together have raised – and funded — more than $4.8 billion in research
For nearly a century, the American Heart Association, has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves have helped transform the nation’s overall health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates.
Local leaders have made a bold commitment to serve as chair for Connecticut signature events through 2024. These three chairpersons have demonstrated the leadership needed to catapult the American Heart Association into achieving their 2024 Impact Goal. The 2022-2024 Connecticut chairpersons are:
- 2022 Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk Chair – Andrew Bond,
Vice President of Planning, General Dynamics Electric Boat - 2023 Greater Hartford Go Red for Women Chair – Deborah Denno,
Partner- Federman, Lally & Remis LLC - 2023 New Haven Go Red for Women Chair – Dr. Lisa Freed,
Cardiologist and the Director of the Women’s Heart and Vascular Program at Yale New Haven Hospital - 2023 New Haven Heart Walk Chair – Lou Gianquinto,
President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Connecticut
” We are just getting started on the next chapter of our relentless work to end heart disease and stroke,” said Vice President, Vice President, Analytics & Business Transformation and AHA Connecticut Board Chair Elect, Russ Mills. “We know that we can’t achieve our monumental goals alone and are grateful to the Connecticut community for the passion and commitment they give to support the mission of the American Heart Association”.
Driving to achieve the 2024 Impact Goal, the American Heart Association and its Connecticut Board of Directors will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate for federal, state and local policies drive healthier lifestyles.
To learn more about accomplishments in the first 100 years of the American Heart Association or how to participate in the second century campaign visit, heart.org/Connecticut or contact Adria Giordano, Executive Director at [email protected] for more information.