PITTSBURGH, June 10, 2022 — On the ninety-eighth anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association, Pittsburgh companies 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 Kenyokee Crowell, senior vice president, Clinical Services, Highmark Health and AHA Greater Pittsburgh board chair. “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.
Reaching for bold goals is made possible because of like-minded organizations who share in the vision of better health for the Greater Pittsburgh region. Four Pittsburgh companies have pledged their support of donations of time, talent and funds through 2024. These companies are:
- UPMC & UPMC Health Plan
- FedEx Ground
- Giant Eagle
- Peoples Gas
”We are just getting started on the next chapter of our relentless work to end heart disease and stroke,” said Leeanna McKibben, MSN, RN, chief of staff, Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and AHA Greater Pittsburgh board president. “We know that we can’t achieve our monumental goals alone and are grateful to the Greater Pittsburgh 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 will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate for federal, state and local policies that drive healthier lifestyles.
To learn more about the American Heart Association visit, heart.org/FoundersDay or contact Karen Colbert for more information.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Karen Colbert: 412.475.4928; [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org