From Grandmother to Advocate: Miriam Plitt

The ballroom quieted as Miriam Plitt walked toward the stage. Moments later, the American Heart Association presented her with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest honor in Southern New England, drawing a standing ovation from a crowd of more than 300 physicians, executives, advocates, and volunteers.  Chair of the RI State Advocacy Committee for the American … Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: How One Student Turned a Personal Story into Community Impact

On a campus known for shaping students through service and leadership, one junior has turned personal pain into public purpose.  Preston Feden, 17, a Warwick native and member of La Salle Academy’s class of 2027, recently earned recognition as the Southern New England Leader of Impact from the American Heart Association. The honor is part … Read more

Local Experts Break Down the New 2025 High Blood Pressure Guidelines 

On Oct. 7, the Southern New England American Heart Association hosted a powerful conversation that brought the latest science in cardiovascular care directly to our community.  Local medical experts Edward McGookin, MD, chief of primary care for Brown University Health and Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care, and Martha Kole-White, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics … Read more

Southern New England Heart Walk Celebrates Milestone Year, Inspires New Momentum for 2025–26 Campaign

The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, and drives critical cardiovascular research PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, October 9, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s Southern New England Heart Walk united more than 3,000 participants on June 7, 2025, raising $449,000 to support lifesaving research, education and community health programs.  Held at Rhode … Read more

American Heart Association Southern New England Announces 2025-2026 Board of Directors

The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, proudly announces the appointment of its 2025-2026 Southern New England Board of Directors. Dr. Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, Chief of Primary Care at Brown Health Medical Group, will continue to serve as Board President. Amy C. Vitale, Esq., Executive … Read more

Advancing Health and Hope in Southern New England: A Year of Impact

Southern New England American Heart Association shares 2024-2025 Gratitude & Impact Mission Report Mission Statement: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Driving Equitable Health for All The American Heart Association has spent more than a century working to create a world where everyone can live a longer and healthier … Read more

Community leaders and medical experts unite in Rhode Island to address rising maternal cardiovascular health risks 

American Heart Association hosts conversation to spotlight maternal heart health challenges and solutions   PROVIDENCE, RI, May 28, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the United States. To address this urgent health issue, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, hosted a Community … Read more

DiSanto Priest & Co takes cardiovascular disease to heart

Firm partners with American Heart Association’s year-round campaign to improve health in Southern New England PROVIDENCE, MARCH 4, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Southern New England Heart Ball campaign, DiSanto Priest & Co has volunteered to … Read more

A Mother’s Unexpected Pregnancy Journey

Mother with daughter

Rhode Islander, Katie Bergantine, JD, shares her personal journey managing maternal heart health Guest Blog Written by Katie Bergantine, JD, of Coventry, Rhode Island with afterword from the American Heart Association Afterword from the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease … Read more

FM Senior Litigation Counsel Announced to Co-Chair Southern New England’s 2025 Go Red for Women® Movement

Alexsa Marino joins the American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health Providence, Rhode Island, October 23rd, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce Alexsa Marino, Senior Litigation Counselor at FM, as a Co-chair for the 2025 Southern … Read more

Larry Sadwin honored at the 2024 Southern New England Heart Ball

The American Heart Association to recognized mission champion Larry Sadwin at annual event with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award Providence, Rhode Island, October 18, 2024: —Rhode Islander, Larry Sadwin, was honored as the 2024 Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award honoree at this year’s Southern New England Heart Ball. Sadwin has long time championed for … Read more

American Heart Association, Southern New England announces 2024-2025 board of directors

Dr. Edward McGookin, President of Coastal Medical Physicians, Inc., was named president of Southern New England’s board. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announced new leadership and members for its 2024-25 Southern New England board of directors. Dr. Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, President of Coastal Medical, will serve … Read more

2024 Southern New England 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 Providence, Rhode Island, September 26th, 2024 — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1] In addition, an aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors … Read more

A Message of Gratitude from Southern New England Executive Director on Impactful 2023-2024 Year

Hello All, On June 10, we celebrated 100 years of scientific discovery and innovation by the American Heart Association. Founded in Chicago by six cardiologists, the Association was inspired by a social worker who felt more could be done to help people who suffered heart attacks. From humble beginnings and with a vision of improving … Read more

Providence Lawyer Appointed to Lead Southern New England’s 2025 Go Red for Women® Movement

Community leader to chair American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health Providence, Rhode Island, August 15, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kathryn M. Rattigan, Partner at Robinson+Cole, as a co-chair for the 2025 Southern New England Go … Read more

Take steps towards a longer, healthier life on National Walking Day

The American Heart Association invites people to move more and stress less as organization celebrates 100 years of lifesaving work Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve overall health and manage stress, yet 1 in 4 U.S. adults are sedentary for more than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences … Read more

Two Rhode Island businesswomen honored by American Heart Association

Melissa Cummings of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island received the Lifetime Legacy Award and Carrie Bridges Feliz of Lifespan received the Cheryl W. Snead Servant Leader Award at the 2024 Southern New England Go Red for Women Luncheon The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that Melissa Cummings, Executive Vice President … Read more

Southern New England unites to help eliminate heart disease and stroke in women

Event Luncheon with Video

American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women  Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds, while calling for action against health disparities Providence, Rhode Island, March 7th, 2024— This year, more than 500 people dressed in red attended Southern New England’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and … Read more