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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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: … 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 … 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 … 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. … 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 … 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 … Read more
Television personality and America’s sweetheart, Joan Vassos, shares why the mission to save and improve lives is close to her heart
Joan Vassos’s heart journey began with the birth of her first daughter, Erica on May 2, 1991. Soon after birth, Joan received the news that her baby was born with … Read more
Celebrating Our 2024 Eastern States Region Volunteer Award Winners
The American Heart Association (AHA) Eastern States Region celebrates five outstanding 2024 Volunteer Award Winners. These awards honor individuals and companies for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our cause. … Read more
Healthcare Initiative Foundation grant empowers Montgomery County residents
The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) Community Impact Team was the recipient of a one-year grant from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) to help improve the health … Read more
Heart of Greater Washington campaign leadership update
The American Heart Association (AHA), Greater Washington Region has named Srini Attili, executive vice president, Civilian Business Group at SAIC, as chair of the 2025 Heart of Greater Washington campaign. … Read more
Greater Washington Region superintendents named to new initiative championing health in schools
Northern Virginia superintendents, LaTanya McDade and Aaron Spence support critical work to improve student well-being through the Eastern States Superintendent Council Washington, DC, Nov. 19, 2024 — Dr. LaTanya D. … Read more
Safe schools, healthy hearts: our 2024-2025 advocacy agenda
The Greater Washington Region has always been a leader in advancing heart health policies, including tobacco control, reducing food insecurity and making schools and communities more prepared for cardiac emergencies. … Read more
Thousands gathered at the heart of the Nation’s Capital for a special centennial Heart Walk
On November 2, 2024, among DC’s national monuments, thousands of survivors, business leaders, medical professionals and other supporters took steps to save lives and celebrate this iconic annual event. Representing … Read more
Greater Washington Region October Update with Heart
Dear Supporters & Volunteers, I’m thrilled to share that the DC Council unanimously passed the CPR Act. With support from survivors, physicians, the NFL, students and other advocates, this legislation … Read more
35 organizations in the Greater Washington Region recognized for commitment to improve cardiovascular care
The American Heart Association presents outpatient program achievement awards for proven dedication to ensuring patients have access to best practices that reduce risk of heart disease, stroke Nearly half of … Read more
Local public safety, business and health leaders join Leaders of Impact campaign in the Greater Washington Region
Each year, the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) convenes a group of dedicated philanthropic leaders who are passionate about improving the health of our community. These leaders—survivors, … Read more
CPR Act approved by Council, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in DC schools
Washington, DC, October 15, 2024 – The DC Council today unanimously passed legislation requiring DC schools to have cardiac emergency response plans. The Cardiac Planning and Response (CPR) Act requires … Read more
Advancing community health through improved blood pressure care: a lookback at the results from our collaboration with local clinics and food pantries
Backed by a one-year grant from Adventist Healthcare, the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Washington Region recently concluded an initiative to better serve under-resourced residents. Through this grant, the AHA … Read more
Collaboration with UnitedHealth Group reduces barriers for patients with hypertension
Through collaborations with health care organizations, uninsured Montgomery County residents received quality hypertension and nutrition care In Montgomery County, Maryland, high blood pressure and nutrition insecurity are health crises disproportionately … Read more
Nine-year-old survivor, Brady Petrauskas appointed to youth leadership role
American Heart Association youth volunteers inspire healthy living in local communities nationwide The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a fourth grader at … Read more
American Heart Association Announces Changes to the Greater Washington Region Board of Directors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Heart Association (AHA), celebrating a century of profound impact on heart health and well-being, has announced new leadership and changes to its Greater Washington Region … Read more
25 hospitals across 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 Arlington, VA, July 18, 2024 — 25 hospitals … Read more
True Ground Housing Partners commits to resident health and nutrition
By Danielle Johnson, Eastern States Region Note: This article has been updated to reflect True Ground Housing Partners’ new name (formerly known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing) True Ground … Read more
Survivors, physicians and advocates convene in support of the CPR Act
On July 10, the American Heart Association (AHA), Greater Washington Region convened advocates at the DC Council to testify in support of the Cardiac Planning and Response “CPR” Act. The … Read more
Owen Billman to Chair the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
Local business leaders Owen Billman and Jeff Bosick will team up to drive donations, registrations and awareness about the Heart Walk and the American Heart Association Owen Billman, president of … Read more
Michael Kirshbaum to chair the 39th annual Greater Washington Region Golf Tournament
The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization committed to advancing heart and brain health for all, welcomes Michael Kirshbaum as chair of the 39th annual Greater Washington … Read more
A near-fatal wakeup call disrupts an annual tradition: Jonah’s survivor story
An annual trip with friends marked by laughter, hunting, and decadent eating took a turn when Jonah Czerwinski, Head of Public Sector at Thoughtworks, faced an unexpected and life-threatening ordeal. … Read more
“I had a brother once” – Barbara Bassin’s survivor story
Barbara Bassin, 71, recounts her family’s history of heart disease. She highlights the importance of health advocacy, helping others understand and empathize with those affected by similar conditions. 25 years … Read more
Thousands of runners and walkers come together to raise more than $1.3 million
Lawyers Have Heart 2024 brought together 4,500 runners and raised $1.3 million for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. On May 18, 2024, runners, walkers and survivors convened for the … Read more
A sudden heart attack turned this mother of three into a vocal advocate
When Priti Langer suffered from a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, she had to be a strong advocate for her own health; now she speaks out about the need for better … Read more
Scientists in Missouri, Virginia receive pediatric heart transplantation research grants
American Heart Association and Enduring Hearts award nearly $3 million in grants in the latest round of funding for pioneering research in heart transplants for children DALLAS, April 22, 2024 … Read more
The 34th annual Lawyers Have Heart returns to West Potomac Park
On May 18, 2024, the Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk will return to West Potomac Park — the site of the first-ever Lawyers Have Heart race back … Read more
National Walking Day is just the start of the #MoveMoreDC challenge
On April 3, 2024, with support from Sheehy Auto Stores, the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region celebrated National Walking Day through a #MoveMoreDC virtual challenge. Community members shared their photos … Read more
Meet our Teen Champions: Leading the Way to a Healthier Future
As the American Heart Association celebrates a century of groundbreaking advancements in cardiovascular health, we cannot help but wonder, what will the next hundred years bring? Each year across the … Read more
Ten Local Women Lead Effort to Fight No. 1 Killer – Heart Disease
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. Every year across the country, a select … Read more
Uniting Hearts, Transforming Lives and Raising Funds: Eight Greater Washington Region Leaders of Impact Have a Record-Breaking Campaign
Every year across the country, a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign because of their passion and drive … Read more
Five Volunteers Recognized for Outstanding Contributions that Save and Improve Lives
The American Heart Association recently announced the recipients of this year’s Eastern States Region Volunteer Awards. Five outstanding Greater Washington Region volunteer leaders were honored because of their commitment to … Read more
Greater Washington Region Public Policy Agenda Strives Toward Equitable Health for All
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke by pioneering scientific discovery, community impact and public policies that help our families and communities … Read more
Three Howard University students receive national health education scholarship
The American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED Scholars program has awarded $5,000 to three Howard University students in Washington, DC. November 21, 2023, WASHINGTON, DC – The American Heart Association, a global … Read more
Greater Washington Region Heart Walk raises heartbeats and more than $1.8 million
On November 4, a perfect fall morning in the Nation’s Capital, 10,000 survivors, advocates, community leaders and heart health champions laced up their sneakers and stepped out against cardiovascular disease … Read more
Local social entrepreneur addressing health disparities receives national grant
Social entrepreneurs are recognized nationally for their innovative local business solutions addressing health inequities ARLINGTON, VA, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 – Approximately 50 million people in the United States are at … Read more
Kaiser Permanente’s Cynthia Cifuentes and Ameya Kulkarni, M.D. are looking forward to leading the 2023 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk
For nearly a century, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization committed to fighting heart disease and stroke, has worked toward a world where all people have the … Read more
Eight local changemakers accept nominations to be Leaders of Impact in the Greater Washington Region
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. Every year across the country, a … Read more
Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent leads national initiative to champion health in schools
Dr. Aaron Spence supports critical work to improve student well-being through the American Heart Association Superintendent Council. Aaron Spence, Ph.D., superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools is working with the … Read more
Making an Impact in the Greater Washington Region
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has pioneered scientific advancement, policy change and community impact that gives people everywhere the opportunity for a longer, healthier life. As the … Read more
26 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. Twenty-six hospitals in the Greater Washington Region are … Read more
After surviving a heart attack, Donnese made it her mission to run another 5k
October 5, 2022 was a typical day for Donnese Tyler – packed with business appointments, personal obligations and the Mother’s Club meeting at her sons’ high school. Little did she … Read more
Four Howard University Students Named as 2022-23 EmPOWERED Scholars
At the American Heart Association, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity for a longer, healthier life. For nearly 100 years, it’s been our mission to fulfill that vision and pave … Read more
Empowering Hearts, Inspiring Change: Welcoming New Board Members and Honoring Departing Champions at the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region
The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, thrives on the dedication and passion of its volunteers who tirelessly drive the organization’s mission in communities across the region. “In this spirit … Read more
Heart of Greater Washington Serve Day Educates Thousands in Hands-Only CPR
Written by Matthew Wiechmann, Health Strategies Intern More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur each year, and about 90% of people who experience an OHCA do not survive. Early … Read more
Walgreens supports heart and brain health through the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign
Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is once again proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart … Read more
We Can Do This Campaign reaches thousands across the Greater Washington Region
Written by Henry Soffronoff, Community Impact Intern Protecting ourselves, our communities and our loved ones from COVID-19 is a collaborative effort. With support from the American Heart Association and the … Read more