Maine

Tim Gatz of Falmouth recently joined the American Heart Association staff as a Development Director in Maine. This role will include working with local businesses and volunteers on events such as the Maine Heart Walk in Portland which raises funds to support the Association’s lifesaving research, advocacy and educational efforts. Gatz most recently […]

Katie Rooks and Albert Swallow to receive Crystal Heart awards For nearly two decades, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign has raised awareness about women’s greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. As the campaign celebrates 20 years of making an impact, and on the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100th […]

October 29th is World Stroke Day. Most adults in the U.S. don’t know the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke. New this year, by uploading a selfie and recording your voice, you can see and hear what some common stroke warning signs may look/sound like on you with the American Stroke Association’s new interactive F.A.S.T. experience.  Written by […]

At just five days old and much to his parents’ surprise, Cooper Elliott of Portland was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called coarctation of the aorta. In this condition, the aorta (main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body) is narrowed or constricted. This narrowing affects blood flow where the arteries branch out to carry […]

Mindy Beyer of Scarborough joined cardiovascular disease patients, survivors, caregivers, health care providers and scientists from across the country in Washington, D.C., last Thursday to ask their elected representatives to support robust, sustained and predictable annual funding increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The advocates […]

The American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded $2,470 to Palermo Consolidated School for workout equipment. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness programs. “PE/health teacher Lisa Sturgis and the whole Palermo School community […]

The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 7th annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Thursday, September 28th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.  The 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’ […]

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. Seven hospitals in Maine are among the 2,600 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who […]

New CDC data show that e-cigarette sales, which come in thousands of kid-friendly flavors, jumped nearly 50% during a two-year period  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new data that confirm what many parents, teachers, tobacco control advocates and organizations already suspected – the use of e-cigarettes continues […]

Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest It’s the gift that keeps on giving: Hands-only CPR. To ensure people in Maine are prepared if someone goes into cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, hosted free […]

Kennebunk woman who survived multiple strokes shares her journey A stroke can happen to anyone at any point in their lifetime. May is American Stroke Month and the American Stroke Association wants you to know how to reduce your stroke risk and learn the signs everyone should know to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of […]

Being sleepless in Seattle – or Maine – may spell trouble for your heart. Scientific researchers have noticed a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following the change to daylight saving time each spring. However, the American Heart Association, the leading global health organization dedications to fighting heart disease and […]

By Nadi Nina Kaonga, MD Resident Physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Maine Medical Center Board President: American Heart Association, Maine Many pregnancy-related deaths are avoidable. Research shows early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can prevent at least a quarter of pregnancy-related deaths. Pregnant people should learn the risk […]

At 30 years old, Brylie Young of Fryeburg, Maine, never thought she would be diagnosed with a congenital heart defect shortly after giving birth to her first child in April 2022. She says she was fortunate to have an uneventful pregnancy and birth of her daughter. She and her husband, Alec, were so excited to begin this new chapter in their lives. But […]

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 […]

Jeanine Jarowicz and Mike Vail to be honored at the Go Red for Women® Luncheon The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 16th annual Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon on March 21 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The main speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan, will feature inspiring survivor stories, […]

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks while enjoying friends, family, and a good meal. But after the table is cleaned and the dishes are done, it is time for families across Maine to get moving! Research shows active parents raise active children. Fitness should always be a priority in a family’s daily schedule, even during the holidays. […]

The American Heart Association in Maine recently presented Unum with its Corporate Leadership Award – one of six awards presented in the Association’s Eastern States region which includes 14 states from Maine to Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Mike Simonds, President and CEO of Unum, received the award along with Nicole Nappi, Unum’s Quality […]

October 29 is World Stroke Day. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all – is dedicated to saving people from stroke. Stroke is the No. 2 cause of death in the world and a leading cause of serious disability. Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. In fact, globally one […]

The 2023 Maine Heart Walk, scheduled for May 21st in Portland, will be chaired by Sarah Belliveau, CEO of BerryDunn. Belliveau and her committee have set a goal to raise $545,000 through corporate donations and walk teams. Every walker who joins and every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical […]

The 2023 Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon, which will take place on March 21, 2023 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, will be chaired by Eric Jermyn, President of Employee Benefits at Cross Insurance. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as […]

The American Heart Association says it’s important for adults to get regular immunizations to stay heart-healthy While most parents are good at keeping track of vaccines kids need to stay healthy, many people don’t realize there are immunizations important to keeping adults heart-healthy, as well. The American Heart Association urges all adults, […]

The American Heart Association in Maine is entering its 2022-23 fiscal year with dedicated volunteers who will lead the organization’s local team in pursuit of its mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.   The Association thanks members who have completed their board terms and has named a new president and chair, along […]

The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 6th annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Wednesday, September 28th at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.  The 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’ […]

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 Six hospitals in Maine are among the 2,600 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who […]

The American Heart Association Founders Day begins 100th anniversary celebration on June 10, 2022. Today commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Leading up to the 2024 centennial, the Association is beginning […]

Raise a glass, bid on auction items, and help the American Heart Association in Maine fund lifesaving research and education by attending “Hearts at Night” on June 23rd at Aura in Portland.  The Association’s only nighttime event in Portland, this annual Go Red for Women® networking and fundraising event also educates its attendees about heart disease […]

For the past 36 years, Kathy Calo has taught physical education (PE) at Wells Elementary School (WES) in Wells, Maine. Starting back in 1986, she kicked off the school’s very first Jump Rope for Heart program. Under Calo’s leadership, WES has consistently ranked within the top three schools for fundraising in Maine year after year. Calo is retiring at […]

Thank you for all your advocacy efforts over this year’s legislative session! We had some great victories thanks to your outreach, but unfortunately, some issues failed to move as we’d have liked! Please take a minute to thank your legislators for their work and ask them for their continued support! Click here to send a message today! We were able to […]

Tamara Osgood, an Environmental Services Tech at a Maine hospital, didn’t realize at the time that she was experiencing Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). Despite seeing stroke warning signs posted throughout the hospital halls, it never occurred to her that she could suffer a stroke. She would think, “stroke is the droopy face, right? Well, I […]

Maine’s Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th in Portland.  This year’s event will be back in person with a kick-off celebration starting at 9 AM at the Back Cove Trail parking lot on Preble Street, hosted by Channel 8 WMTW’s Kathleen Jordan and 101.9 POR’s […]

On March 30th, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed legislation extending Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months.  Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S., accounting for over a third of pregnancy-related deaths. Cause-specific mortality from heart disease and stroke is highest in […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will hold its 15th annual Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon on March 23 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The Go Red for Women Luncheon, chaired by Joan Smith, Principal with Baker Newman Noyes, is designed to raise awareness […]

Written by Muffy Tostevin, Saco I lived a charmed life until 2012, the year I retired at 65 from my many years as a teacher, coach, and later as a school principal in Lewiston. I was a free-range kid with, six siblings and great parents. I grew up on the coast surrounded by pastures, coves, relatives and places to swim. I played tennis and sailed. I […]

As pretty as new-fallen snow appears, shoveling sidewalks and driveways can be deadly. According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow. The heart-health hazards […]

Anna DeLuca recently joined the American Heart Association as Development Director for Maine. DeLuca will manage all Go Red for Women-related events, activities, and volunteers throughout the state. Most recently, she served with the American Red Cross. DeLuca is a graduate of the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation and […]

OceanView at Falmouth and the American Heart Association will host the 6th annual Go Red for Women Survivor Gathering on Wednesday, December 1st 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 5:30 – 6:00 pm to provide an opportunity to network and […]

On October 25th, the city of Bangor adopted a new policy aimed at protecting our kids from tobacco and nicotine addiction. The Bangor City Council voted to remove all flavored tobacco products from the market. This will now ensure we don’t lose a new generation of kids to nicotine. This bold step by Bangor will help make the community healthier and […]

After nearly two years away from in-person events, today the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the 2022 Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon will return to our community. This signature event which will be held on March 23, 2022 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in […]

Maine’s Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 15, 2022 in Portland.  Heart disease and stroke are top causes of death in Maine. The Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health. Steve deCastro, President and CEO of Gorham […]

With Northern New England experiencing high summer heat and humidity, we are urging people to take extra steps to protect their hearts. Precautions are especially important for older adults and individuals with high blood pressure, obesity or a history of heart disease and stroke. Temperatures over 100 or even temperatures in the 80s with high humidity […]

During this legislative session much attention was appropriately focused on the state’s response to the global pandemic, but it seems most legislators have forgotten about the youth tobacco epidemic raging in our own backyard. In March 2020, which seems a lifetime ago, we were optimis tic – lawmakers were actively considering policy solutions to […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the top awardees of its first-ever EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based hosted by the Eastern States region. The first-place grant of $50,000 was awarded to Pastor Cynthia Wallace of Bible Center Church in the […]

American Heart Association disappointed by lack of action The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, issued the following statement from Allyson Perron Drag, government relations director, following the finalized Change Package which stripped tobacco flavors restrictions and did […]

By Lena Minervino, Maine Heart Walk Director and Henry’s mom Henry has always been different, in a way a parent can never explain. During his annual wellness check I asked his pediatrician to take another listen to his heart. At night, I would put my ear to Henry’s chest and listen – it sounded different than mine and my other two boys. As usual, […]

Over $105,000 in Grants Will be Awarded to Local Community Leaders 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 […]

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, […]