Maine

Lawmakers have opportunity to combat public health impact of COVID-19 by enacting policies proven to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including a tobacco tax increase. On April 13, state legislators heard from cancer and cardiovascular patients, survivors, and public health advocates during Maine’s virtual Tobacco Action Day. Even though the advocates […]

Working and spending more time at home during the pandemic means many people are moving less. However, there are easy ways to get up and get moving. The American Heart Association is putting out the call to people to move more because being sedentary can be as bad for your health as smoking. It can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, blood […]

LGBT adults report experiencing high rates of discrimination in health care settings, according to a 2020 statement released by the American Heart Association. As part of National LGBT Health Awareness Week held March 22-26, 2021, the Association is highlighting the unique factors affecting LGBT health and reiterates the call for policy change within […]

Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and providing communities with much needed guidance and support. That is why the American Heart Association’s Eastern […]

Brian Shankey recently joined the American Heart Association as Executive Director for Northern New England. He will be responsible for overseeing all fundraising activities and volunteer leadership across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Shankey brings two decades of non-profit leadership, volunteer and staff management, and fundraising experience, […]

According to the American Heart Association, one in 25 construction workers has cardiovascular disease, one in 4 is obese, one in 4 uses tobacco and one in 25 has diabetes. In fact, construction industry workers have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to other industries, based on lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and […]

Sea Bags is joining the fight against heart disease and stroke by supporting the American Heart Association – the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Sea Bags will provide customers the opportunity to support the American Heart Association’s fundraising campaign, Life Is Why™, by donating 20% of […]

The American Heart Association and NFL, in collaboration with the New England Patriots, are excited to debut the first-ever NFL PLAY 60 library, which features kid-friendly exercises to help kids to get their recommended 60-minutes of daily physical activity. Amidst the rising number of COVID-19 cases, schools and organized sports have begun to […]

The American Heart Association says that for most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the Association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, as the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart.   People who are outdoors in […]

The American Heart Association is pleased to announce its inaugural CycleNation™ event for Southern and Western Maine. This digital experience will begin December 28th with a month of tracked fitness activities and fundraising, concluding with a digital celebration on January 28, 2021. Starting on December 28th, participants can track their activity by […]

In Maine, six organizations received recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health and invest in the health of their workforce as part of the 2020 results of the American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index. The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, created the Index in 2015 […]

The search is on! Maine’s 2021 Go Red for Women® Survivor Search will help us connect with heart disease and stroke survivors throughout Maine. If you are willing to share your story to help educate and inspire others, we encourage you to apply by December 31, 2020. Please complete this simple online form to help us learn more about you. We will […]

The challenges facing our world are many – from timely concerns such as the coronavirus pandemic and the renewed emphasis it has placed on the need to dismantle structural racism to the ongoing challenges of treating and beating the top two killers around the globe: heart disease and stroke. As president of the American Heart Association, Dr. Mitch […]

Maine’s Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 16, 2021.  The event will be digital celebration preceded by a month of experiences aimed at helping participants improve their heart health. Mike Simonds, Chief Operating Officer with Unum, has stepped up to lead the 2021 Heart […]

October 29 is World Stroke Day. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is devoted to saving people from stroke — the No. 2 cause of death in the world and a leading cause of serious disability. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – and about one in four people worldwide will have one in their lifetime. […]

The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 4th annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Thursday, November 12. This year’s digital experience will feature a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse is hand-selected and filled with items and mementos that reflect the donors’ […]

Raising Awareness of Health Disparities on Indigenous People’s Day Last April, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed a bill to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day. On October 12, Maine will celebrate its second Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day aims to celebrate and honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the United […]

The American Heart Association in Maine is helping to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Voices for Healthy Kids (an Association initiative) awarded a $36,000 grant to Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care (MCAHC). In collaboration with Maine Access Immigrant Network, MCAHC engages communities of color, new Mainers, and low-income people to address […]

Announcing our plans for the 2021 Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon (Digital Experience) to support the fight to end heart disease and stroke in women! This signature event will be held on March 30, 2021 as a digital experience to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and families during the pandemic. The Go Red for Women Luncheon will feature […]

It’s time to head back to school, but this year it won’t be the return of a normal routine. With classes happening virtually, in-person, or both, families are dealing with a lot of uncertainties. The American Heart Association has some tips to make this school year’s “new normal” a little healthier. Get back on a sleep schedule Healthy sleep habits can […]

With the summer in full swing, be sure to protect your heart in the heat. With temperatures frequently rising into the 80s and 90s, it’s important to know that heat can be hard on the heart. As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors recommend using good judgment when it comes to […]

Live auction with Coast 93.1’s Blake Hayes: Lunch with Maine CDC’s Dr. Nirav Shah The 2020 Go Red for Women® Luncheon will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 16th via Zoom. This 13th annual American Heart Association event aims to educate attendees about heart disease and stroke in women, and this year especially, on the importance of heart health amid […]

Long before the pandemic, systemic challenges have contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, as well as immigration status, occupation, and language preference, […]

On May 15, the Eastern States Community Impact team launched the first webinar of a series designed to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. The webinar was offered to health equity leaders nationwide and was attended by approximately 1,035 participants. During the webinar, implications of COVID-19 from the perspective of economics, […]

Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, have been mostly responsible for […]

Press conference to be held on Valentine’s Day at Portland City Hall hosted by Mayor Snyder The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, together with its signature movement, Go Red for Women®, encourages you to wear red to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease: women’s […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, together with its signature movement, Go Red for Women®, encourages you to ‘wear red and give’ on National Wear Red Day® to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease: women’s greatest health threat. Held on the first Friday in February […]

Raise a glass, bid on auction items, and help the American Heart Association in Maine fund lifesaving research and education by attending “Hearts on Ice” on January 16th at Aura in Portland. An annual Go Red for Women® networking and fundraising event, this event attracts those from Greater Portland’s business and medical communities to support the […]

On December 5th, fifty female students from Deering, Portland, and South Portland high schools participated in the American Heart Association’s 2nd annual STEM Goes Red event at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute. The goal of this Association initiative is to close the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) […]

On Friday, December 13th, the administration of Maine Governor Janet T. Mills announced new initiatives to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic that has gripped the nation. The announcement came in the wake of troubling new data showing Maine youth are using electronic smoking devices above the national average. In response to this report released by […]

Lena Minervino recently joined the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in Maine as the Development Director responsible for the Southern Maine Heart Walk and Central Maine Heart Walk. Minervino comes to the Association from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northern New England where she was the Development Director who supervised […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 17, 2020 in Portland. In addition to a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, the event will also feature a timed 5K run. Dr. Douglas Sawyer, Chief Academic Officer at Maine Medical Center, and Jennifer McCarthy, Chief […]

A consortium that coordinates the efforts of local and regional cardiovascular disease prevention programs helped states achieve major goals for eliminating health disparities, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2019 in Philadelphia. Researchers implemented the Northeast Health […]

We are thrilled to introduce the 2019 EmPOWERED to Serve National Business Accelerator grant recipients!  The October 17th event was hosted in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The top nine candidates presented their innovative concepts and ideas in a shark-tank style program at the event for a chance to […]

Here is Mindy Beyer’s recap of her time in Washington DC last week for You’re the Cure on the Hill: As I sit here and reflect on the time I spent in Washington DC my heart is full❤️ I know that my Facebook feed over the last few days reflected much of the work I did, but it doesn’t touch on the powerful new friendships I built. I met so […]

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading birth defect in Maine children, however many parents of these children report feeling alone when their child is diagnosed. To help connect families across Maine and to provide a fun day for children with CHDs, the American Heart Association is hosting its 5th annual “Little Heart Hero Day” on Sunday, […]

The 2020 Go Red for Women® Luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 19 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. This 11th annual American Heart Association event aims to educate attendees about heart disease and stroke in women while raising research funds to help educate, diagnose, and treat these diseases.   This year’s Luncheon is being led […]

Planning a trip can be a lot of fun, but your heart health is never on vacation. Traveling to a faraway place doesn’t need to be off limits because you are a caretaker, have heart disease, or have experienced a heart attack or stroke. A few simple precautions can ensure your trip is smooth sailing! You are researching exciting travel […]

With Father’s Day approaching along with many summer barbecues with family and friends, remember that grilling is a fun and flavorful way to cook. The best part is that grilling can be one of the healthiest ways to cook! Just follow the American Heart Association’s top ten tips for healthy grilling and barbecuing. Pick the perfect protein. […]

CPR and AED Awareness Week is recognized nationally each year from June 1st to June 7th.   Educating and training the public on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use is an important public health concern.  With 350,000 people suffering sudden cardiac arrest each year, the Red Cross believes that all […]

The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 3rd annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Wednesday, June 26 at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport from 5-7 PM. This event features a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse is hand-selected and filled with items and mementos that reflect the donors’ […]

During American Stroke Month in May, the American Stroke Association is encouraging Mainers to join together to end one of the leading causes of death and preventable disability in the state and in the U.S. Despite claiming more than 133,000 lives annually and being a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., stroke is largely […]

Harmony Hebert was awarded the American Heart Association’s Lifestyle Award, sponsored by Boston Scientific, at the Central Maine Heart Walk in Lewiston on April 28th.  Harmony shares her journey over the past year and what she hopes for the future in her own words.   My name is Harmony Hebert and I am capable! These three words have become […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 19, 2019 in Portland. In addition to a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, the event will also feature a timed 5K run.   Steve Smith, President and CEO of L.L. Bean, has stepped up to lead the 2019 Heart Walk. Smith […]

The Central Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Lewiston, is scheduled for April 28, 2019. The event, to be held at Simard-Payne Park, will feature a 1-mile walk (with longer options available), healthy snacks, and fun family activities.   The event will begin with a celebratory kick-off […]

– By Dr. Brandei Wingard, Cath Lab Director, Southern Maine Health Care Cardiology and American Heart Association (Maine) Board Member February is American Heart Month – a great time to focus on your heart health and what you can do to prevent heart disease to live a longer, stronger life. Diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk […]

  Forty five female students from Deering, Casco Bay, and South Portland high schools participated in the American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red event on December 5th at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute. The goal of this new Association initiative is to close the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) […]

Approximately 50 female students from Deering, Casco Bay, and South Portland high schools will participate in the American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red event on December 5 at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute. The goal is to close the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields and to inspire students to […]

The Central Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Lewiston, is scheduled for April 28, 2019. The event, to be held at Simard-Payne Park, will feature a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, healthy snacks, and fun family activities.   The volunteer committee has set a goal to raise $150,000 through […]

Follow this page for updates from Shelly Afthim, Southern Maine Heart Walk Director and Heart Failure Patient, as she shares her journey. 11/5/18: Sometimes I impress myself! Decided that if I’m going to get my heart better, I need to plan our meals better! A lot of work but hopefully this gets us through the week without anyone saying “there is […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 19, 2019 in Portland. In addition to a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, the event will also feature a timed 5K run.   Steve Smith, President and CEO of L.L. Bean, has stepped up to lead the 2019 Heart Walk. Smith […]

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading birth defect in Maine children, however many parents of these children report feeling alone when their child is diagnosed. To help connect families across Maine and to provide a fun day for children with CHDs, the American Heart Association is hosting its 4th annual “Little Heart Hero Day” on Sunday, […]

Students in elementary schools in Maine and around the country have a new way to move their bodies toward heart health, earn benefits for their schools and give back to their community this school year. The American Heart Association today announced details of its new Kids Heart Challenge™, which includes jump rope, basketball, dance and warrior […]

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke risks. The AHA in Maine recently appointed new leadership for its Board of Directors.  Dr. Dervilla McCann, Chief of Population Health at Central Maine Medical Center, is the new Board President. Mindy Beyer, […]

The American Heart Association in Maine (AHA) will hold its 2nd annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Wednesday, June 27 at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport from 5-7 PM. This event features a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse is hand-selected and filled with items and mementos that reflect the […]

CycleNation is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s (AHA/ASA) new, relay-style stationary cycling event aimed at putting the brakes on stroke and heart disease. The AHA/ASA will bring this event to the Bangor Waterfront for the first time on Sunday, June 10 with “CycleNation Bangor”. “Teams will band together for high-energy, […]

OceanView at Falmouth and the American Heart Association (AHA) will host the 3rd annual Go Red Survivor Gathering on Tuesday, June 5 from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM at OceanView’s Lunt Auditorium in Falmouth.  A special reception for heart disease and stroke survivors will be held from 5:00 -5:30 pm to provide an opportunity to network and share […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine, is scheduled for May 20th in Portland. In addition to a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, the event will also feature a timed 5K run. Dollars raised will fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide […]

During American Stroke Month in May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) is encouraging Mainers to join together to end one of the leading causes of death and preventable disability in the state and in the U.S. Despite claiming more than 133,000 lives annually and being a leading cause of serious, long-term disability […]

The 2018 Go Red For Women Luncheon, held on its snow date of March 20, attracted 550 guests at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland to support the American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The 2018 Crystal Heart Awards were presented to two honorees: Bill Caron, President […]

Calling all runners! The American Heart Association’s (AHA) 3rd annual HeartStrong 10K will take place on Sunday, April 15 in Portland. The event’s fundraising goal is $15,000 to benefit the lifesaving work of the AHA in Maine.   Sheri Piers of Falmouth has teamed up with the AHA for this year’s HeartStrong 10K. Piers, known for her impressive and […]

The 2018 Go Red Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 13th at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. This 9th annual American Heart Association (AHA) event aims to educate attendees about heart disease and stroke in women while raising research funds to help educate, diagnose, and treat these diseases. This year’s Luncheon is being led by Robin […]

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Heart Healthy School Award” is a national award given to only one school in the United States. This year’s winner is Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York, Maine and was chose out of 500 nominees nationwide. Coastal Ridge Elementary has participated in the AHA’s Jump Rope For Heart program for the past 30 […]

Heart defects are the leading birth defect in Maine children. The American Heart Association is hosting its 3rd annual “Little Heart Hero Day” – an afternoon of fun and networking for children with congenital heart defects and their families – on Sunday, November 19 from 1-3 pm at the OA Centers for Orthopaedics in Saco.   Heart defects are the […]

                    The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke risks. The AHA in Maine recently appointed several new members to its Board of Directors. The AHA also announced that three Maine […]

The 13th annual Go Red For Women event for York County is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th at The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. This American Heart Association (AHA) event is focused on raising awareness of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in women as well as educating attendees on how to prevent this widespread health threat.     The […]

Under the guidance of PE Teacher, Dan Cyr, students at Madawaska Elementary raised over $13,000 through the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Jump Rope for Heart program this past year. Out 165 schools in Maine who participated, Madawaska Elementary raised the fifth highest amount in the state.   Two students at Madawaska Elementary were the […]

The 19th annual Central Maine Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, September 10th in Lewiston/Auburn to benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA). The AHA’s largest event in Central Maine, the Heart Walk draws more than 1,000 walkers who together raised more than $130,000 last year.   Shawn Reed, Great Falls […]

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine, is scheduled for May 21st in Portland. In addition to a choice of a 1-mile or 5K walk, the event will also feature a 5K run and “Kids Heart Challenge” obstacle course.   This year’s fundraising efforts are being led by David […]

Calling all runners! The American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2nd annual HeartStrong 10K will take place on Sunday, April 9 in Portland. The event’s fundraising goal is $15,000 to benefit the livesaving work of the American Heart Association in Maine.  The event was originally scheduled for April 2, but was postponed due to a weekend snowstorm.  “The […]

Subway stores in Maine will participate in a campaign starting on February 6 with a goal to place CPR in Schools Kits in several Maine high schools. The campaign, which will conclude in May, benefits the American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine and supports their goal to train all Maine high school students in Hands-Only CPR. Subway customers will be […]

The 12th annual Go Red For Women event for York County is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. This American Heart Association (AHA) event is focused on raising the awareness of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in women as well as educating the attendees on how to prevent these leading health threats.   Maine […]

Heart defects are the leading birth defect in Maine children. The American Heart Association is hosting its second annual “Little Heart Hero Day” – an afternoon of fun and networking for children with congenital heart defects and their families – on Sunday, October 16th at the Franco Center in Lewiston from 1-3 pm.   This free event will […]

The American Heart Association (AHA) is currently funding two research grants at a local research facility. The grants – both currently active at Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough – total $257,100 to help further the AHA’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. An existing grant […]

Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart are fundraising events that take place in elementary schools and middle schools all over the nation. Participants learn jump rope and basketball skills and raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA) while learning how to develop heart-healthy habits like being physically active. Breaking a new Maine […]

The 12th annual Go Red For Women event for York County is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. This American Heart Association (AHA) event is focused on raising the awareness of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in women as well as educating the attendees on how to prevent this widespread health threat.   […]

The Southern Maine Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine, is scheduled for May 15th in Portland. New this year, the event will feature a chip timed 5K and “Kids Heart Challenge” obstacle course.   The fundraising goal is $290,000 for the event raised through corporate donations and […]

St. Joseph Healthcare is the “Gold Heart Honoree” The American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine will hold its 17th annual fundraising event on Friday, February 12th at Morgan Hill Events Center in Hermon. The Bangor Valentine’s Heart Gala is the AHA’s major fundraising event in the Bangor area with a goal to raise $125,000 to support the AHA’s […]

The American Heart Association presented Great Falls Marketing with the inaugural Community Heart Award this week during a ceremony at their Mill Street headquarters in Auburn. The award honors a first-time participating company with the highest fundraising level, along with management support, for the Central Maine Heart Walk which was held on […]

CHD Survivor Connor Keyes of Topsham The American Heart Association (AHA) in Maine hosted its first-ever “Little Heart Hero Day” on October 25th. Close to 100 people from across the state gathered for family fun and networking at the Kennebec Valley YMCA in Augusta. What did these families have in common?  A child with a congenital heart defect (CHD)  […]

The 2016 Go Red Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. This 7th annual American Heart Association (AHA) event aims to educate attendees about heart disease and stroke in women while raising research funds to help educate, diagnose, and treat these diseases. The 2016 Crystal Heart Awards will be presented […]

The 17th annual Central Maine Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, September 13th in Lewiston/Auburn to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA’s largest event in Central Maine, the Heart Walk draws approximately 1,200 walkers who together raised more than $127,000 last year. This year’s goal is $175,000.   “When you join Heart Walk, you […]