-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Lawyers Have Heart celebrated 36 years of movement, mission and impact
On May 16, 2026, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters gathered in West Potomac Park for a sunny morning dedicated to heart health. Participants took on the 10K, 5K and Fun Walk before enjoying a lively post-race celebration featuring snacks, music, a pet party, a kids zone and Hands‑Only CPR demonstrations. After the awards … Read more
-
Meet Shelbe Hudson: two-time stroke survivor, DJ and advocate
When Shelbe Hudson had her first stroke at the age of 25, it was the last thing she expected to happen to her. Her initial symptoms were headaches and changes in vision, which she largely dismissed as effects of her job and too much screentime. As the symptoms persisted, she waited. She celebrated the Fourth of July with her … Read more
-
Meet Tony Brown, a heart warrior who beat all odds
When Tita Escobar was five months pregnant, doctors broke the kind of news no expecting parent wants to hear; her baby would be born with a heart condition and might not survive past birth. After a high-risk pregnancy, baby Tony arrived into the world. Tita had mere seconds to hold him before Tony was quickly rushed into the intensive care … Read more
-
American Heart Association, Montgomery County clinic team up to offer new tools for supporting heart health
A collaboration between the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, has led to a dramatic improvement in health for clients of the clinic. In particular, more than half of the patients seen during the collaboration saw an improvement in their blood pressure readings. This is important because high blood pressure … Read more
-
After overcoming a major heart event, ultramarathoner Michael Lo Presti has an important message
Decades ago, when Michael Lo Presti first began his running career, he started seeing the usual positive results that come with this healthy habit… but one troubling symptom persisted. His blood pressure was consistently measuring high. It turned out he was living with an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. A heart ultrasound revealed the cause of the … Read more
-
Fox Chapel Elementary School Becomes first school in Montgomery County to implement a community blood pressure screening station
Hypertension remains a significant public health concern, mostly because it often goes unnoticed until serious health threats occur, such as heart attacks or stroke. The American Heart Association works with community organizations to manage and prevent hypertension by implementing blood pressure screening stations at places where clients already receive other health services. To expand this initiative, we are partnering with schools in the Greater Washington Region. Fox Chapel Elementary … Read more
-
Brian Drouin’s lifelong heart journey led him back to the American Heart Association
When Brian Drouin joined the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region team in March 2026 to lead the Lawyers Have Heart event, it marked a full-circle moment in his heart journey. Brian was born with d-Transposition of the Great Arteries; as a newborn, he had an arterial switch operation, the first step in a lifelong journey … Read more
-
Laura Smith and Tim Brightbill return as co-chairs for 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart
The longtime event volunteers return for the second year as co-chairs, where they will unite the DC-area legal community to power the annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk Laura Smith, partner at HKA, and Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley, will return as co-chairs for the 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart, an annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk that brings together thousands of runners and walkers … Read more
-
Two Greater Washington Region locals named Go Red for Women national ambassadors
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women and new moms, with more than 45% of adult women living with some form of heart disease. Women remain underrepresented in clinical research trials. Twelve women from across the country have been selected to represent the American Heart Association’s nationwide Go Red for Women movement in 2026. Among them are Erin Adelekun, an … Read more
-
After surviving a stroke at 18, Lauren Treacy set a goal to run a marathon
As a college freshman in 2020, Lauren Treacy was getting her first taste of independence. She was home for the holidays after her first semester at Penn State where she met some of her closest friends, took her initial courses toward her degree, went running every day and was gearing up to rush a sorority. December 29, 2020, started as a normal day. Lauren and some friends … Read more
-
Lace up your sneakers and join us for National Walking Day 2026!
American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Sheehy Auto Stores invite you to George Mason University for a day of fitness and fun National Walking Day returns on April 1, 2026, with celebrations across the country around this simple act to improve physical and mental health. In the Greater Washington Region, supporters are invited to join the … Read more
-
After undergoing a triple bypass surgery, Richard Martin has an important message for other men: pay attention to your heart
Richard Martin walked in the 2024 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk to get out in the community and join his wife and her colleagues at VHC Health in supporting an important cause. When he returned in 2025, the mission behind the event was much more personal. Richard is a father of four, a grandfather, a golfer and a decades-long sales and marketing professional from Northern Virginia. In recent years, there had been early rumblings that something might … Read more
-
American Heart Association helps Cannon Road Elementary become the first Montgomery County Public School to establish a Healthy Pantry Policy
For many families, access to healthy food is not just about preference. It is about availability, affordability and awareness. When nutritious options are easier to find and understand, families are better equipped to make choices that support long-term health. That belief is at the heart of the work led by the American Heart Association and recently took … Read more
-
National Walking Day kicked off Move More Month in the DMV and beyond
The American Heart Association and Sheehy Auto Stores hosted a National Walking Day event at George Mason University, convening guests from across the region for a day of fitness, learning and fun. Participants warmed up and stretched with trainers from George Mason University, practiced yoga and tabata with instructors from The St. James, learned CPR from the American Heart Association, mixed up a healthy snack with nutritionists … Read more
-
Four generations of women’s stories converge around heart health
This year, when Stacy Yentz of Peraton joined her team for the Heart Walk, the mission behind the event was more personal to her than she could have ever imagined. Last November, Stacy’s mother, Gerri, was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What initially seemed like a manageable diagnosis escalated quickly. Just two weeks later, Gerri … Read more
-
Superintendents of Loudon and Prince William County Public Schools among leaders championing health in schools across the Northeast
19 leaders support critical work to improve student well-being through the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 1, 2025 — 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 … Read more
-
This giving season, support healthy pantries in your community
Guidance for DC-area neighbors on how to make healthy food donations and where to start Nearly half of all Greater Washington Region residents lack access to healthy food. Poor nutrition leads to poor heart outcomes. People without enough food may often be faced with unhealthy choices of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, which can lead to chronic … Read more
-
Heartfelt supporters cross the $2.1 million finish line for the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
Thousands of walkers returned to D.C.’s National Mall for the 2025 Heart Walk WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov 17, 2025 – Around 10,000 walkers gathered on the National Mall for the 2025 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, raising more than $2.1 million for the fight against heart disease and stroke. These 579 teams, 90 companies and thousands … Read more
-
New members join initiative championing health in schools across the Northeast
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
-
29 local clinics awarded for high standard of blood pressure care
These health centers are recognized for their efforts to improve community blood pressure with the goal of ultimately reducing heart attack and stroke rates Twenty-nine clinics located in the Greater Washington Region have been recognized for their unwavering commitment to achieving better blood pressure control in their communities, with the ultimate goal of reducing the … Read more
-
Meet Jeff “Coldstream” Roth: runner, survivor, local executive – and recovery myth buster
Seven years ago, local executive Jeff Roth survived a near-death experience during a workday run. In the days after, he and his family pieced together what happened. In the years since, he’s been rewriting the story of what recovery really looks like. Jeff, now director of games at Booz Allen Hamilton, was on a routine … Read more
-
Commanders players urge fans to join Nation of Lifesavers, learn lifesaving CPR
The American Heart Association and NFL team up to boost CPR readiness on World Restart a Heart Day WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2025 —To boost awareness of CPR, the American Heart Association and NFL (National Football League) are unveiling the 2025 Nation of Lifesavers™ Player Ambassador Class on World Restart a Heart Day, which takes … Read more
-
Veteran and CEO leads year-round campaign to save and improve lives
Eduardo Ortiz named chairperson of 2026 Heart of Greater Washington campaign The American Heart Association has announced that Eduardo Ortiz, CEO of Coforma, will serve as chairperson of the 2026 Heart of Greater Washington campaign. This initiative propels the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and underrepresented and … Read more
-
October 16, 2025 declared “Restart a Heart Day” in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed October 16, 2025, as “World Restart a Heart Day” in the District of Columbia. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with up to 23,000 of those happening to people under 18 years old. In D.C. alone, nearly 1,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital … Read more
-
Greater Washington Golf Tournament makes big swings for heart health
Over 100 golfers from more than 20 local companies convened for a day of golf and lifesaving impact ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 22, 2025 – The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region hosted its 40th annual Golf Tournament benefitting the Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. This year’s … Read more
-
Healthcare Initiative Foundation rounds out one year of supporting blood pressure screening in Montgomery County, Md.
In 2024, The Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) awarded the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, a one-year grant to support the health of Montgomery County residents. The initiative empowers residents to monitor their blood pressure at home and at various community sites. To bring this vision to life, the Heart Association collaborated with community … Read more
-
Tobacco-free communities, healthy meals and access to care: our 2025-2026 advocacy agenda
The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region continues to support policies that improve the heart health and safety of our neighbors. In the last year, D.C. passed legislation requiring cardiac emergency response plans in all schools. Starting in September 2025, all schools will be prepared to save lives and respond to cardiac emergencies in school … Read more
-
September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: Here’s what you should know
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common irregular heartbeat, affecting millions of people, the majority of whom are not aware of the condition until they’re diagnosed. It can increase your risk of stroke by up to five times and can increase your risk of other complications. While anyone can develop AFib, the risk rises with … Read more
-
Advancing equitable health across the Greater Washington Region
Prince George’s County Washington, D.C. Montgomery County Northern Virginia The American Heart Association is deepening its commitment to equitable health throughout the Greater Washington Region (GWR) by expanding efforts to combat chronic disease. Our work focuses on addressing nutrition security, improving blood pressure control and increasing access to lifesaving Hands-Only CPR education. Through strong collaboration … Read more
-
Michael Kirshbaum returns as chair for 40th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament
The American Heart Association celebrates Michael Kirshbaum returning for the second year as chair of the 40th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament, happening on September 22, 2025. Kirshbaum serves as the chief financial officer of EAB, an education research, technology, and services company and previously served as CFO of The Advisory Board Company, a … Read more
-
25 hospitals in the Greater Washington Region recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke
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 WASHINGTON, 2025 — Twenty-five hospitals in the Greater Washington Region 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 … Read more
-
Why every organization needs a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts. Yet, only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional responders arrive. The survival rate drops by 10% every minute without CPR or use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). That’s why the American Heart Association is … Read more
-
American Heart Association Greater Washington Region Announces New Board Chair and Welcomes New Directors
The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, proudly announces new leadership and appointments to its Greater Washington Region (GWR) Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Made up of volunteer leaders, the Board supports the mission of the Association through fundraising and addresses important community priorities, including increasing access to … Read more
-
Seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has the heart of a fighter
Stafford County, VA seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has a resilient heart: one that’s survived complications, surgeries, diseases and other big challenges with a fighting spirit. Before she was born, her mother, Carine, learned at her 20-week ultrasound that Kayleigh had hypoplastic right heart syndrome. At the time, the family was based in Jacksonville, NC, where Kayleigh’s … Read more
-
Eastern States Rural Health Summit 2025: Bridging gaps and building futures
The American Heart Association (AHA) held the inaugural Eastern States Rural Health Summit on June 13, 2025. Rural populations make up about 20% of the U.S. population, totaling approximately 60 million people. These communities are diverse but share common challenges in health access and outcomes. The summit served as a platform to elevate the unique health needs … Read more
-
Luther Clark: a music industry veteran’s unexpected heart journey
After nearly four decades in the music industry, working with some of the biggest names in reggae, hip-hop, gospel, and urban music, Luther Clark, a 69-year-old industry veteran found himself facing a life-threatening health crisis. Luther had an active lifestyle, he swam six days a week and took kickboxing and spin classes; he was the … Read more
-
Meet the DC-area food pantries committed to improving community heart health
The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) is proud to support six local food assistance providers expand their services and better elevate the total wellbeing of the communities they serve. With generous support from Coforma, we’re helping ensure that families not only receive nutritious meals, but also gain access to resources that support … Read more
-
2025 CPR & AED rally unites hearts in DC
(L) Survivors and advocates stand in front of the Capitol with their march signs, (middle) Survivor Dr. Delya Sommerville was one of the advocates participating in the rally, (R) Survivors and advocates march from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol From June 5 to 7, 2025, heart health advocates from across the country gathered … Read more
-
On CPR week, let these stories inspire you to learn a lifesaving skill
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States. 9 out of 10 of those who experience cardiac arrest do not survive. The good news is that when bystander CPR is performed, it can double or even triple survival rates. That’s … Read more
-
35th annual Lawyers Have Heart convenes thousands of runners and walkers to advance health and hope
On May 17, 2025, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters – among them survivors, fitness leaders, members of the legal community and public health leaders – convened for the 35th Lawyers Have Heart at the scenic West Potomac Park. After completing the 5k, 10k and fun walk course, runners, walkers and families enjoyed a … Read more
-
A bus ride to remember: Christina Buckley’s story of courage and CPR
A routine bus ride from Washington, D.C. to New York City turned into a life-or-death emergency — and Christina Buckley didn’t hesitate. Christina, 30, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, and works in HR for a medical company, was enroute to catch a flight to Antigua to visit family. But the journey took an unexpected … Read more
-
Let’s Walk: Rocky Thurston of DMI chairs the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk Campaign alongside a team of volunteer leaders
Rocky Thurston, CEO of DMI, a global technology consulting and professional services firm, has been named chair of the 2025 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The event, scheduled for November 1 at the National Mall, brings together a community of hundreds of local companies as well as survivors, health leaders, donors, advocates and volunteers to … Read more
-
Meet Aubrey and Kennedy: Bristow elementary schoolers and “Open Your Heart” heroes
For survivors and Youth Heart Ambassadors, Aubrey Spiess and Kennedy Shivers of Bristow Run Elementary, knowing they have someone at the same school who understands their experience makes a big difference. Second grader Aubrey was born with coarctation of aorta, mitral valve stenosis, and a severely large ventricular septal defect (a hole in her heart), … Read more
-
Greater Washington Region Heart Ball carries the torch into the second century of impact
On April 5, 2025, hundreds of supporters of the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) gathered in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria to celebrate the work of the AHA and share stories of lives transformed by advancements in cardiac care. The annual gala raised $1.3 million to advance the AHA’s lifesaving mission. … Read more
-
After a series of shocking heart events, local fitness leader sets sights on new athletic achievement
As a personal trainer and multisport athlete in his thirties, Andres Virgen may not fit your typical profile of a cardiovascular disease patient. But when he was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 30, some things started to add up. This congenital heart defect went unnoticed until then, but the signs … Read more
-
Maryland healthcare center expands hypertension and chronic disease treatment with AHA support
Huixing (Kate) Lu, clinic director In Montgomery County, Maryland, there are significant gaps in healthcare access that we at the Chinese Cultural and Community Service Center Clinic (CCACC) are working to address. CCACC Health Center is a subsidiary unit of CCACC, and is an education, culture and healthcare center offering primary care, rehabilitation, mental health … Read more
-
Join Us at the Inaugural Rural Health Summit!
Imagine living in a town without a doctor or being 200 miles away from the nearest hospital. For one in five people in the U.S., including 5.7 million residents of rural communities throughout the Eastern States, this is a reality. Rural areas face significant health care challenges. On average, people in these communities live almost … Read more
-
National Walking Day in the Greater Washington Region brings fitness, fun and learning
On April 2, 2025, crowds gathered at the St. James in Springfield, VA for a morning of fitness, learning and fun in celebration of National Walking Day, locally sponsored by Sheehy Auto Stores. For decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country. That’s why we … Read more
-
National Walking Day 2025: Walk more. Stress less.
A walk isn’t just good for your body—it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood, and promotes overall well-being. For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country. That’s why we created National Walking … Read more
-
Coforma grant fuels local nutrition security efforts, advances Heart of Greater Washington campaign
The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) is kicking off a collaboration with Coforma, a digital services company based in Washington, DC, to advance key local health initiatives: healthy pantries and the Heart of Greater Washington campaign. “Coforma is thrilled to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to advance community health and increase … Read more
-
Meet Olivia Pacheco: Miss Teen Apple Blossom, dancer, student leader and congenital heart defect survivor
For Prince William County high school senior, Olivia Pacheco, her volunteerism as a Youth Heart Ambassador for the American Heart Association (AHA) is personal; she has survived two congenital heart defects and four open heart surgeries before the age of 17. Olivia was born with truncus arteriosus and coarctation of the aorta. “When I was … Read more
-
DC and Maryland chosen for new effort to improve diagnosis, treatment of CKM syndrome
An American Heart Association initiative aims to improve care for people with a cluster of conditions called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome Washington, DC, Feb. 18, 2025 — DC and Maryland are among the first five geographic regions in the U.S. that will implement a new initiative to improve care for people with a cluster of chronic conditions … Read more
-
Meet our 2025 Teens of Impact for the Greater Washington Region
Every year across the country, a select group of teens are nominated to be a part of Teen of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This nine-week competition is relentlessly focused on heart health. Through April 10, 2025, nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their … Read more
-
Meet the 2025 Greater Washington Region Woman of Impact nominees
Every year across the country, a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of Woman of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This nine-week competition is relentlessly focused on women’s heart health. Through April 10, 2025, nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their networks to support … Read more
-
Tim Brightbill and Laura Smith to co-chair 35th annual Lawyers Have Heart
The longtime event volunteers join local leaders in the legal community to power the annual 10K, 5K and fun walk Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley and Laura Smith, partner at HKA have been named as chairs the 35th annual Lawyers Have Heart, an annual 10K, 5K and fun walk that brings together thousands of runners … Read more
