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Cicero Elementary School puts a cherry on top of record fundraising year
Students at Cicero Elementary School got a sweet reward for their fundraising efforts Wednesday. To celebrate setting a school fundraising record for the Kids Heart Challenge™, top fundraisers, including fourth grader and heart disease survivor Nora Tees, got to cover their principal and physical education teacher in whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles and more, turning them … Read more
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3 ways to take health and safety into your hands this summer
American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American … Read more
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Carrying the Torch: Sue Rodeman’s story and the power of B.E. F.A.S.T.
During Stroke Awareness Month, a Caretaker of the Torch from the Rochester Heart Ball shares how acronym ‘B.E. F.A.S.T.’ can save a life. As a Caretaker of the Torch at this year’s Rochester Heart Ball, Sue Rodeman represented survivors, families and advocates who are helping move the American Heart Association’s mission forward. But what many … Read more
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Developing the Next Generation of Stroke Scientists
By Neil A. Nadkarni, MD, Director of the Neurovascular Inflammation Team (NVITe), Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Stony Brook Medicine In an ever-changing world with new advances every day, stroke-related disability is a constant. But it doesn’t have to be. Though we can limit some of the initial damage caused by stroke, the reality is that … Read more
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A Stroke at 15: How One Diagnosis Changed Everything
by Keith Foisset, Jr. When I sat in the emergency room as a 15-year-old, I didn’t know what to expect from the throbbing pain in my head. I was confused and scared. Just three days earlier, I had felt my left arm go numb and lost coordination. I was later diagnosed with a right parietal … Read more
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Turning Leadership into Legacy: Bill McLaughlin
Bill McLaughlin launches the Heart of New York City and Thrive’s Listen to Your Heart and Thrive campaign by sharing how he’s stepping up to shape a future for his children, New York City, and beyond. When asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Bill McLaughlin answered instantly, “To be a great Dad.” From stepping up … Read more
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Resilience of the Heart: Sharron’s Story
Written by Kristina O’Connell, Chief Marketing Officer, Thrive Sharron was a strong, young athlete. She noticed that her heartbeat would sometimes become irregular, but life moved forward, and so did Sharron. Years passed, and after two decades of trying to have a child, Sharron was dealing with another health challenge: a climbing blood pressure, in … Read more
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Ananta’s Story: Overlooking Family History
1989 Right before my 24th birthday, my younger sister called in the early morning to let me know our father had suffered a heart attack. Shortly after, she called again letting me know he passed away. He was 53 years old. I had spoken to my dad the evening before, and then twelve hours later, … Read more
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Three Central New Yorkers fight women’s leading cause of death
Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] During American Heart Month this February, three Central New York leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD. The Heart Association’s Woman … Read more
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Survivor story: from heart surgery on vacation to Heart Walk coach
No matter who you are, no matter how old you are and no matter where you are, paying attention to your heart could save your life. That’s the lesson Derick White learned while on vacation in Toronto in August 2022. A few days earlier, he had been at work in Syracuse, New York when he … Read more
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Central New York high school girls explore careers in STEM fields
Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations but just over 29% of the STEM workforce.[1]That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier … Read more
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Back by popular demand: Community CPR Day
MVP Health Care and Albany County, through the Innovation Partnership, once again make American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training available to community Since the American Heart Association began its Nation of Lifesavers campaign to train people in Hands-Only CPR, more than 17 million people have learned this lifesaving skill. “Knowing Hands-Only CPR can mean the … Read more
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Capital Region leaders fight women’s No. 1 cause of death
Men and women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaigns to champion heart health Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five Capital Region leaders are joining the local Men Go Red and … Read more
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Four Mohawk Valley women fight women’s leading cause of death
Women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign to champion heart health Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, four Mohawk Valley leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise … Read more
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Five Hudson Valley changemakers join effort to eliminate cardiovascular disease
The American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees champion heart health through fundraising and philanthropy More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five woman and teen leaders in Hudson Valley are joining the American … Read more
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Tech Executive leads year-round campaign to improve health in New York City
Bill McLaughlin named 2025-26 American Heart Association Heart of New York City Chair NEW YORK, NY, January 6, 2026 – Through the Heart of New York City campaign, Bill McLaughlin, volunteer chair and CEO of Thrive will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in New York City and beyond has the opportunity for … Read more
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Guest blog: Experiencing lifesaving work from around the world
When seconds count, CPR can save lives, but you have to know what to do. Expanding CPR awareness in Western New York has been a passion of mine since joining the American Heart Association as a community impact director in 2024. Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to see how others are achieving this … Read more
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Local restaurants join the Nation of Lifesavers
When someone’s heart stops pumping, early CPR can save their life[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. That is why the American Heart Association, along with sponsor Rochester Regional Health, brought CPR training to the restaurant industry on Monday. The American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health … Read more
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More than 500 students from around New York State join the Nation of Lifesavers
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. That is why the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for … Read more
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2026 New York City CycleNation to Pedal Toward a Healthier Future
New York City Executives Named Co-Chairs to lead local movement aimed at improving brain health for all NEW YORK, NY, December 10, 2025 — The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association – the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites New York City companies, communities … Read more
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Local volunteer’s campaign supports lifesaving research and community health
Theresa Hill named American Heart Association Rochester Leaders of Impact™ Winner Theresa Hill, accounts payable and collections manager at John W. Danforth, and longtime American Heart Association volunteer, has been named the American Heart Association Rochester 2025 Leaders of Impact™ Winner. Hill’s work supports the Heart Association’s mission of creating a world of longer, healthier … Read more
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Chief of Cardiology funding lifesaving research and supporting community health
Chief of Cardiology funding lifesaving research and supporting community health NEW YORK, NY, November 17, 2025 – Dr. Jeffrey Bander, Chief of Cardiology at Mount Sinai West has been named the American Heart Association New York City 2025 Leaders of Impact™ Winner for his work supporting the Heart Association’s mission of creating a world of … Read more
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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
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Multilingual efforts increasing access to life-saving skills across New York City
American Heart Association expands CPR access with community outreach and culturally relevant training The American Heart Association has continued to cultivate relationships with community-based organizations to empower every corner of our community in becoming a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR when it matters most. Most recently, the Association hosted their … Read more
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Local community leaders join award winning advisory board in Syracuse
Three local leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. These volunteers started their board term just as the group was recognized at the national level by the American Heart Association. New board members include: Gwen Crossett, B.S., RN – Gwen Crossett is … Read more
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Elevating blood pressure care in New York City’s most vulnerable communities
A collaboration between the American Heart Association and Damian Family Health Centers is advancing access and consistency in blood pressure management. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and a number of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib), and affects nearly half (46.7%) of all adults in the United States. It is … Read more
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Breaking language barriers to build a city of lifesavers
NEW YORK, NY, October 29, 2025 — Nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die — often because bystanders don’t know what to do or are afraid to help. New York City is home to over 800 languages — yet when cardiac arrest strikes, language barriers can be deadly. On October 23 and 24, the American Heart Association in New York City … Read more
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CycleNation riders in Buffalo pushed pedals to raise funds for stroke, increase CPR awareness
More than 100 riders pedaled for a purpose while youth sports organizations and community members learned Hands-Only CPR at the American Stroke Association’s CycleNation event on Sunday. The ride boosts mental and physical health while raising critical funds to stop the cycle of stroke across the nation. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death … Read more
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Infor Executive Lindsey Drake to Lead 2025–26 NYC STEM Goes Red Empowerment Initiative
Drake will spearhead American Heart Association efforts to expand STEM access for young women through New York City Go Red for Women® movement NEW YORK, NY, October 23, 2025 — Women make up more than half of the college-educated workforce in the U.S., yet they remain vastly underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) … Read more
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Survivor thanks rescuers on World Restart a Heart Day
On Sept. 8, John Bonhotal suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while checking in for a Southwest Airlines flight at Albany International Airport. On Oct. 15, he hiked Vly Mountain, one of 35 Catskill Mountains that are taller than 3500 feet. Bonhotal returned to the airport on Oct. 16, World Restart a Heart Day, where Colonie … Read more
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American Heart Association engages 500+ at Staten Island’s HealthFest with lifesaving tools and youth programs
On September 26, the American Heart Association participated in Staten Island’s HealthFest 2025. The no-cost community event was held at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, home of the Staten Island FerryHawks, and garnered the interest of over 500 registrants. The event was supported by SiCLIP (Staten Island Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program), which brings blood … Read more
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John W. Danforth Executives lead year-round campaign to improve health in Rochester
Ken Burns and T.R. Casamento named 2026 Rochester American Heart Association Heart Ball Co-Chairs For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Rochester’s Heart Ball campaign, Ken Burns, vice president of operations, Central New York, at John W. Danforth Company, and … Read more
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New York City advocates rally at City Hall to push for menthol tobacco
NEW YORK, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2025 – On September 25, the rain did not stop advocates from the American Heart Association and Korean Community Services as they gathered at City Hall to advocate for the passage of INT 1152, a bill that would restrict the sale of menthol-flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes in New York City. … Read more
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Pediatric nurse practitioner and two-time stroke survivor spearheads local women’s heart health movement in Buffalo
Kelly Naab to chair the American Heart Association’s Buffalo 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Buffalo and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to … Read more
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Students in Rochester area explore careers in STEM fields
American Heart Association’s Rochester STEM Goes Red™, part of its Go Red for Women® movement, introduces students to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and connects students with female industry leaders Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it … Read more
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American Heart Association Announces New Volunteer Leadership for 2025–27 in New York City
Distinguished Banking Executive and Renowned Cardiologist to Lead Local Efforts to Improve Community Health NEW YORK, NY — September 29, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global leader in the fight for longer, healthier lives, has named its volunteer leadership for the 2025–2027 fiscal years in New York City. Effective July 1, Michael Kruse, a … Read more
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Anne Saile to receive Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award
American Heart Association honors leader behind Capital Region’s Go Red for Women movement The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, will present Anne Saile with the Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award at the 2025 Capital Region Go Red for Women® Luncheon on Oct. 30 at the Albany … Read more
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American Heart Association in New York City Hosts Annual Advocacy Kickoff
On Tuesday September 16, advocates joined the virtual American Heart Association Advocacy Kickoff to hear about last year’s successes and the opportunities to be involved in 2025-26. Last year, we successfully advocated with community organizations, parents, and childcare providers for increased funding in the New York City FY26 Budget for early childhood education programs that … Read more
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Taking CPR awareness to the turf in Buffalo
The American Heart Association and the Buffalo Bills celebrate Heartsaver Heroes and teach fans about CPR Fans attending the Buffalo Bills vs. the Miami Dolphins National Football League (NFL) game at Highmark Stadium had the chance to join the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ through an immersive cardiopulmonary resuscitation experience (CPR), part of the … Read more
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From joy to a heart scare: a second pregnancy brings a second-degree heart block
Survivor Erin Vickers will share her powerful heart story at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon in October Erin Vickers of Latham is only now learning what “normal” is for her and her family. She will share her story of living with heart disease at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, a … Read more
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American Heart Association opens casting call for 2026 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors
NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2025 — Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet most aren’t aware that it is their number one killer. To help change that, the American Heart Association in New York City is once again inviting local women affected … Read more
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Saving lives through CPR education in Central New York
FamilyCare Medical Group and the American Heart Association provide Hands-Only CPR training equipment to community organizations With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. … Read more
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Advocating for Longer Healthier Lives in Harlem
On August 16th and 17th in Harlem, the American Heart Association met with long time advocates, strategized with community partners, and recruited new advocates to our Heart Powered grassroots network to combat the use of menthol in New York City. According to the data published by the city’s Community Health Profile. In Central and East … Read more
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Staying Heart-Smart During a Heat Wave
The week’s forecast is predicting extreme temperatures, and the American Heart Association urges everyone – especially those with heart conditions – to take proactive steps to stay safe and heart-smart in the heat. High heat and humidity place extra strain on the heart. Whether you’re planning to exercise outdoors, travel, or simply enjoy the summer … Read more
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Working Together to Improve Community Health: Xavier Mission Receives New Refrigerator for Food Pantry
NEW YORK, NY, June 26, 2025 — In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity and promote community health, the American Heart Association has donated a new commercial refrigerator to Xavier Mission, a New York City nonprofit that has been addressing hunger and homelessness for more than 40 years. The new unit will significantly boost Xavier … Read more
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Smoking is trendy again, but here is why it isn’t cool…
Whether it is a parent, grandparent, friend, or even yourself, smoking has touched us all in one way or another. If none of those are the case, then it is guaranteed you have at least seen this addictive habit throughout pop culture. An article published in the New York Times addressed the resurgence of smoking, … Read more
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American Heart Association Joins United for Child Care to Advocate for the Rights of Families in New York City
On Monday, June 16, in front of City Hall, the American Heart Association proudly stood in solidarity with New Yorkers United for Child Care at their “Father’s Day Cookout” rally. The rally was a powerful gathering of parents, advocates, and elected officials demanding real investment in universal childcare. Some of the speakers at the event … Read more
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Every Day is a Miracle Reminds Us of the Power of Community
Last week, members of the American Heart Association’s New York City team, and one of the Association’s generous donors, Rose Caiola, had the opportunity to visit Every Day is a Miracle (EDM) in the Bronx. The prominent food pantry helps provide access to food and other significant resources for underserved community members. EDM currently has … Read more
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Saving lives through CPR education in the North Country
More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year[1], and 90% of people who have a cardiac arrest will not survive. That is why the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, and sponsor Knowlton Technologies are adding lifesavers to the chain … Read more
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2025 Rochester Heart Ball unites to create a world of longer, healthier lives
American Heart Association annual event raises hope by generating funds and awareness to fight heart disease and stroke Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1] In addition, an aging, more varied population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people are expected to nearly … Read more
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Saving lives through CPR education in the Rochester City School District
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, and … Read more
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New York City Advocates Launch Stroke Awareness Month at City Hall
The American Heart Association kicked off Stroke Awareness Month on May 1 with its annual City Hall Day in New York City. Advocates and community leaders met with Council Members to address the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke—together, the top cause of death among New Yorkers. Heart disease and stroke are the … Read more
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Pediatric nurse, mother, stroke survivor takes on women’s top health threat: cardiovascular disease
American Heart Association names Kelly Naab Go Red for Women’s® Buffalo Woman of Impact™ Winner Kelly Naab, pediatric nurse practitioner at Williamsville Pediatrics and co-medical director for Clarence Central School District, mother and two-time stroke survivor, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Buffalo Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. Naab won the … Read more
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Chase executive leads movement to improve women’s heart health in New York City
Allison Beer, Chief Executive Officer, Card Services and Connected Commerce at Chase
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Buffalo joins initiative to improve blood pressure control for all
The American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused Hypertension Initiative is expanding access to care, bridging community-clinical gaps and tackling racial disparities in hypertension management. High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects half of adults (47%) in the United States and remains a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke[1], according to the American Heart … Read more
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North Country Heart Walk Inspirational Honoree: Tim Buckley
Tim Buckley always thought of himself as athletic and in shape. What he didn’t know, was that he had been living with a hole in his heart that was about to change his life. In October of 2024, Tim was refereeing a soccer game in Adams, NY. He was walking around the field when he … Read more
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Executive leads year-round campaign to help fund AHA advancements and improve health in New York City
Michael Monahan named 2025 American Heart Association Heart of New York City Chair NEW YORK, NY, March 20, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of New York City campaign, Michael Monahan, Vice Chairman, CBRE, will lead community-wide … Read more
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Buffalo unites against women’s No. 1 killer
American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is dedicated to tackling cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. Yet, women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.1 Women also experience unique … Read more
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Research Reception highlights impact of medical research in Rochester
Stents. CPR. Clot-busting drugs. Those are just a few of the scientific advancements that were begun with research grants from the American Heart Association. Five researchers funded by the American Heart Association shared information on their studies during the American Heart Association’s Research Reception at Monroe Golf Club on Thursday night. The event included poster … Read more
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Legal Industry in New York City Drives Equitable Health Impact
NEW YORK, NY, March 10, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s annual celebration, Counsel for a Cause, is on the horizon. The New York City campaign is a year-round initiative that raises awareness and funds that sustain scientific research and discovery and removes barriers to access and quality care. “The Counsel for a Cause campaign … Read more
