PHILADELPHIA, November 21, 2023 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit committed to advancing heart and brain health for all, has announced Dr. Joseph Cacchione, Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson, as chairperson for the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball campaign. The Heart Ball campaign is a year-round initiative aimed at raising lifesaving funds for research and innovations in cardiovascular science, advancing health equity, and to save and improve lives throughout the Philadelphia/South Jersey region. The campaign culminates with the annual Heart of Philadelphia Heart Ball, a black-tie event that celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Philadelphia. This year’s event will be held on March 23, 2024 at the National Convention Center.
Over the course of his 30+ year career, Dr. Cacchione has held numerous leadership roles on a national level and in Pennsylvania for the American College of Cardiology. He also served on numerous national and community-based administrative health committees, and authored and co-authored scholarly papers, and presented at national conferences and meetings on healthcare systems, new paradigms in healthcare, cardiology and cardiovascular disease and healthcare administration. He previously worked at Ascension, where he served as Executive Vice President, Clinical and Network Services (CNS). Previously, Dr. Cacchione spent eight years at the Cleveland Clinic, and played a major enterprise role in business development and served as Chairman of Operations and Strategy for its Heart and Vascular Institute.
“I am honored to serve as the Heart Ball Chair and take on the responsibility of leading this vital campaign,” says Dr. Joseph Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson. “The reason I chose to be a part of this effort is simple: I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of heart disease on individuals, families, and communities. Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one killer and it has touched the lives of my loved ones, friend and neighbors. I’m determined to make a difference.”
Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to heart attack or stroke. “I am passionate about training a community of lifesavers through the Chain of Survival for a cardiac arrest victim,” says Dr. Cacchione. “Educating and training the community in Hands-Only CPR and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death.”
As Philadelphia Heart Ball Chair, Dr. Cacchione will oversee a volunteer Executive Leadership Cabinet made up of business leaders and changemakers to meet the event’s fundraising goal of $4 million in support of research and educational programs in the region and across the country that combat the United States’ No. 1 and No. 5 killers – heart disease and stroke.
“Dr. Cacchione exemplifies true leadership and commitment and is the ideal person to head our Heart Ball campaign,” says, executive director of the American Heart Association-Philadelphia market, Jennifer Litchman-Green. “As a trusted member of this community, he understands the impact the mission and work of the American Heart Association can have on every person who lives in this area and is passionate about being able to create better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
In addition to chairing this year’s Centennial Heart Ball campaign, Dr. Cacchione is also overseeing Jefferson Health’s sponsorship of Philadelphia’s first mobile CPR kiosk. The first home of the mobile kiosk will be the Philadelphia Convention Center, which hosts more than 1.2 million visitors annually. This location will allow us to expand our community reach in educating lifesavers on how to perform hands-only CPR. The kiosk can be moved up to four times a year, which will lead to a greater impact of training more individuals throughout the region on hands-only CPR.
Dr. Cacchione is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann University (now Drexel University’s medical college) in Philadelphia, and his undergraduate degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Dr. Cacchione was a member of the Board of Trustees of the American College of Cardiology. He holds active medical licenses in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Dr. Cacchione is happily married to his wife, Shannon Cacchione, and they have six children.
The 2024 Philadelphia Heart Ball will be held at the National Constitution Center on Saturday, March 23, 2023. The annual celebratory event is a night to honor survivors, patrons and volunteers of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart health. The evening will feature stories from survivors, as well as dinner, dancing, and exciting silent and live auctions.
The 2024 Heart Ball campaign is sponsored by Jefferson Health, Infor, Independence Blue Cross and NFI. This year’s media sponsor is Philadelphia Magazine.
For more information on how to support or attend the Philadelphia Heart Ball, visit https://new.event.gives/880105 or contact Associate Vice President of Heart Ball, Annette Weidenfeld at [email protected].
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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:
Krista Barber, Region Communications
Email: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org