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From patient to pioneer: How Greg Ruf turned a family heart story into a mission for others
Growing up in Williamstown, West Virginia, Greg Ruf was the picture of health. As a teenager, he excelled in distance running and loved competition. In the spring of his senior year of high school, he was training for the state track meet when everything changed. His heart suddenly began racing uncontrollably. Ruf was an athlete. … Read more
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Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge equip Delaware students with lifesaving skills
Newark, Del., Aug. 27, 2026 — More than 350,000 people in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and approximately 23,000 are children. The first critical moments of a medical emergency, the people nearby are most likely family members, educators, coaches or even other students, and many have never been … Read more
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“Queen of Hearts” Evelyn Smith brings her heart journey to DC
Evelyn Smith’s heart journey started the day she was born – Valentine’s Day, 2001. Diagnosed with a heart murmur, and becoming the third generation of women in her family touched by heart disease, she learned the importance of taking care of her heart early. Her grandparents gave her the nickname “Queen of the Hearts” and through a lifetime of advocacy, she’s earned the … Read more
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Steve Hull of Leidos to chair 2026 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
Steve Hull, president of Leidos Digital, has been named chair of the 2026 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The Heart Walk will take place November 7, 2026, at the National Mall and it will bring together thousands of walkers and hundreds of teams of local companies, organizations and community groups, including survivors, health leaders, advocates and supporters of the American Heart Association’s mission. This year’s event … Read more
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Philadelphia’s health organizations unite to take down high blood pressure
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Jefferson Health join Penn Medicine, Temple Health and the American Heart Association to expand lifesaving hypertension care and education across the city. One in three residents in Philadelphia has hypertension (high blood pressure), but many don’t know it. That’s why high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer.” … Read more
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Meet heart warrior and star swimmer, Jack Donovan
When Jack Donovan was born, his pediatrician noticed a heart murmur. His parents, Elizabeth Donovan and John Donovan, knew congenital heart defects ran in the family, but they hoped it was benign. At just 2 months old, Jack visited a cardiologist, and by 6 months, doctors suspected something more serious. Still, Jack was, in his mother’s words, “a roly-poly happy baby,” full of smiles. Everything changed at … Read more
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Empowering women through education, screening and community support
A recent women’s health event hosted at West Philadelphia’s Second Antioch Baptist Church Food Pantry brought together women from across the community for an afternoon of education, conversation and wellness. Organized by Physicians for Advocacy and Community Engagement (PACE), Penn Medicine and the American Heart Association, the program focused on equipping women with the knowledge … Read more
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Boston 25 News highlights American Heart Association’s Have Faith in Heart initiative
Boston 25 News recently highlighted the American Heart Association’s Have Faith in Heart initiative, which is helping Boston-area faith communities prepare for cardiac emergencies through CPR training, AED education, emergency response planning and other lifesaving resources.
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Eleven hospitals in New Hampshire recognized for advancing quality care for heart disease, stroke
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program supports evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients nationwide Eleven hospitals across New Hampshire are being recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Nationwide, more than … Read more
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Six hospitals in Maine recognized for advancing quality care for heart disease, stroke
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program supports evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients nationwide Six hospitals across Maine are being recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Nationwide, more than 3,000 … Read more
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6 hospitals in Delaware recognized for advancing quality care for heart disease, stroke
NEWARK, Del., August 7, 2026 — Six hospitals across Delaware are being recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Nationwide, more than 3,000 hospitals take part in these efforts, helping ensure patients receive care aligned … Read more
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Budding cardiovascular researchers find purpose in Boston summer program
They came to Boston from Peru, Cuba, Ghana and Puerto Rico with an interest in science. Through the American Heart Association’s SURE Scholars program, they spent the summer conducting cardiovascular research, building new skills and taking the next steps toward careers in medicine and discovery.
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Libraries are filling gaps through blood pressure control in Delaware County
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, remains a significant public health concern across Delaware County and the Philadelphia region. In Delaware County, an estimated 32.6% of adults are living with high blood pressure, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention and access to care. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood … Read more
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21 hospitals in the Greater Washington Region recognized for advancing quality care for heart disease, stroke
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program supports evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients nationwide WASHINGTON, D.C., August 6, 2026 — 21 hospitals across the Washington, D.C. region are being recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Nationwide, more than 3,000 hospitals take part in … Read more
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Western New York Signature Events: Join the American Heart Association in 2026-2027
No matter how you choose to get involved, you can help save and improve lives right here in the Western New York region. The American Heart Association’s signature events in Buffalo and Rochester bring together community members who are passionate about building a healthier future for their families, workplaces and communities. Whether you prefer to … Read more
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Power, Passion, and Purses: Go Red for Women Returns to Kennebunkport
American Heart Association’s 10th annual “Purse-onality” event is September 24 The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 10th annual Go Red for Women “Purse-onality” event on Thursday, September 24 at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. Cardiovascular diseases, which includes stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. As the leading killer of women – claiming the lives of one in three women -cardiovascular … Read more
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University of Pennsylvania Health System CEO to lead milestone campaign to improve heart health in Greater Philadelphia
Kevin B. Mahoney named 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball Legacy Honoree and Campaign Visionary For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball, Kevin B. Mahoney, legacy honoree and campaign visionary, and CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine), will lead community-wide … Read more
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New leadership appointed to American Heart Association Connecticut board
Haley Sofiane of CareCentrix named as chair of the Connecticut Board of Directors The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announces new leadership and board members to its Connecticut Board of Directors. Haley Sofiane, president, CareCentrix, will serve a two-year term as chair of the Connecticut board of directors beginning … Read more
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Expanding efforts to build a Nation of Lifesavers in Rochester
An estimated 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting do not survive it, according to the American Heart Association. With support from sponsor University of Rochester Medicine, the Association is working tirelessly to improve those statistics. The American Heart Association and URochester Medicine are extending and expanding a successful … Read more
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American Heart Association in New Hampshire ushers in new volunteer leadership to champion health in the Granite State
As the American Heart Association in New Hampshire begins its 2026–2027 fiscal year, it does so with a passionate team of volunteers committed to advancing its mission: to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association welcomes a new chair and several new directors to its leadership team. Stephen Hanlon, … Read more
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American Heart Association in Maine volunteer leaders unite to drive health, hope and longer lives across the state
The American Heart Association in Maine is entering its 2026-27 fiscal year with dedicated volunteers who will lead the organization’s local team in pursuit of its mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Association thanks members who have completed their board terms as it announces its president and chair, … Read more
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Applications open this summer for Mary Vohar Lilley Community Impact Awards in the Corning, New York area
FUNDING OVERVIEW The American Heart Association is pleased to invite organizations to work together in improving health outcomes in Corning, NY, and surrounding communities through Community Impact Awards made possible by the Estate of Mary Vohar Lilley. Awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 in awards, equipment/resources or a combination of both will support community and … Read more
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Healthcare leader to champion women’s heart Hhealth as 2026 Go Red for Women Chair
Autum Shingler‑Nace, healthcare executive and advocate, to chair 2026 Southern NJ Go Red for Women campaign The American Heart Association is proud to announce Autum Shingler‑Nace, D.N.P., RN, M.B.A., NE‑BC, FACHE, as the 2026 chair of the Southern New Jersey Go Red for Women Campaign. Shingler‑Nace serves as chief nursing officer at Cooper University Health Care, where she is a respected leader focused on advancing high quality, … Read more
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American Heart Association applauds Delaware’s investment in the Double Up Bucks Program
The American Heart Association is celebrating a major victory for nutrition access and health in Delaware: funding and implementation support to create the state’s first-ever Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Double Up Bucks Program. Proposed in Governor Matt Meyer’s Recommended Budget, the program will help SNAP participants stretch their food budgets by matching purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, effectively doubling their purchasing power for fresh produce. For many Delawareans, that … Read more
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NFL’s Buffalo Bills continue CPR education kicking off year 4 of the HeartBEAT initiative
More than half of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest out of hospital don’t receive immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), leaving a critical gap in survival. To save more lives, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, and the Buffalo Bills are working together to bring more Hands-Only CPR demonstrations … Read more
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A Heart of Gold: How Jenny Boquet honors her brother through action
Jenny Boquet, American Heart Association volunteer, receives the Heart of Gold Award as a recognition of her volunteerism.
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American Heart Association, Coforma work together to expand blood pressure screening for Veterans
The American Heart Association with support from Coforma has assisted three local organizations in launching community-based blood pressure screening stations for veterans across the Greater Washington Region. Operation Second Chance, Platoon 22, and Prince George’s County Community College Military and Veteran Services are now equipped to help veterans measure their blood pressure and access needed treatment at places where they receive healthcare, housing support, education and career counseling. A 2023 study of more than 4.8 million veterans found that 71% had hypertension. Delays and … Read more
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Applications now open for the 2026-27 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors
NEW YORK, NY, July 7, 2026 — The American Heart Association today announced that applications are now open for the 2026-27 New York City Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors, a dynamic group of women who have been impacted by cardiovascular disease and have shown strength in overcoming its challenges. These survivors are turning … Read more
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Playing soccer can score major goals for heart and brain health
Football fever can mean real-life benefits as soccer can help people of all ages get moving and stay healthy, according to American Heart Association NEW YORK, June 25, 2026 — As the FIFA global championship captivates fans this summer, the American Heart Association says the excitement can translate into real-life health gains—because playing soccer is a powerful way to … Read more
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Dr. Lawrence Phillips Named President-Elect of American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region Board of Directors
NEW YORK, NY, July 1, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, announced today that Lawrence Phillips, MD, cardiologist, medical director of outpatient cardiology, and director of nuclear cardiology at NYU Langone Health, has been named president-elect of the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Regional Board of Directors. In this role, Dr. Phillips will help guide the Association’s strategic … Read more
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D.C. business leader named chair-elect of the board of directors for the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association
Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate and a dedicated volunteer leader, has been named chair-elect of the board of directors for the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association, the global leader in advancing cardiovascular health and reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke. Billman will serve in this role through June … Read more
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Meet Kaitlyn Gansor, a middle-schooler with a resilient heart
When Angela Gansor and her husband, Steve, went in for her 20‑week scan while she was pregnant, she expected another routine appointment, especially after a normal amniocentesis. Instead, the sonogram revealed an issue with the baby’s heart, which prompted a visit to a pediatric cardiologist where a fetal echocardiogram confirmed a congenital heart defect: tetralogy of Fallot. As Angela calmly processed the news, the cardiologist asked her, “Are you okay? You’re taking this so well.” Angela explained this … Read more
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American Heart Association appoints 2026–2027 Greater Washington Region Board leaders
New leadership builds on strong volunteer commitment to improving health and saving lives The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, today announced its Greater Washington Region Board of Directors leadership for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Comprised of volunteer leaders, the board advances the organization’s mission through fundraising and by addressing key … Read more
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A library of community resources: bringing refrigerated food to Syracuse’s White Branch Library
Libraries can be a great resource for the community, but, as White Branch Library Branch Manager Jackie Bleich says, you can’t feed people a book. That’s why she worked with the American Heart Association to turn the library basement into a food pantry. White Branch Library is one of the oldest libraries in the City … Read more
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Vermont Heart Walk aims to make one person per household CPR-ready
The American Heart Association campaign equips participants with CPR education while raising funds to support research and local impact initiatives According to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, approximately 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest each year — most often outside a hospital. Bystander CPR can … Read more
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First grader Chase Mitchell overcame multiple surgeries and found his strength
Chase Mitchell may be one of the youngest kids in his first grade class at Westridge Elementary, with a September birthday, but he’s already lived through more medical challenges than many people will ever face. Today, he’s a happy, energetic kid who plays baseball, flag football and soccer. To anyone watching him run across a field, you’d never guess he was born with a serious congenital heart defect. … Read more
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Local hospitality executive to lead 2026 Heart Walk and countywide push for CPR readiness
DiFonzo joins the American Heart Association in engaging companies in Sussex County to create a community of lifesavers DEWEY BEACH, Del., June 1, 2026 — According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially … Read more
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Two New York City Changemakers Triumph in Competition to End Cardiovascular Disease
American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and awareness NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are may be preventable. Two New York City changemakers have transformed their … Read more
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Delaware County leaders spotlight growing concerns over rise of vape shops and tobacco retailers
The Delaware County Tobacco Vape-Free Coalition, Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), Chimes Holcomb, the American Heart Association of Greater Philadelphia and Lansdowne Borough recently hosted “The Rise of Vape Shops and Tobacco Outlets in Delaware County: Spotlight Borough of Lansdowne” at the historic Twentieth Century Club in Lansdowne. The event brought together public health experts, … Read more
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When Seconds Count: A Birthday Eve Cardiac Arrest and the Power of CPR
Cardiac arrest can happen without warning, often at home and in front of the people who love us most. In those first critical minutes, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. On Aug. 13, 2025, on the eve of her 49th birthday, Jessie moved through an ordinary evening at home … Read more
