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Mobile CPR Kiosk Turns Students into Heroes
In January, the American Heart Association revealed a new location for the mobile CPR kiosk – the VCU Student Commons in Richmond, VA. Students will now have easy access to learn how to help someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. Nine out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital will not make … Read more
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American Heart Association Names Jaylyn Brown Executive Director for Hampton Roads
On Jan. 20, 2026, the American Heart Association announced the promotion of Jaylyn Brown to executive director for Hampton Roads. Brown, a nationally recognized communications leader and award‑winning strategist, has spent the past four years driving some of the Association’s most innovative and high‑impact initiatives in the region in the role of marketing communications director. … Read more
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Hampton Roads woman named 2026 Go Red for Women National Ambassador
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors are national volunteers who serve as active champions for heart and brain health for all women, everywhere HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Feb. 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only 44% of women are aware that CVD is their greatest … Read more
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Wear red for women’s health this National Wear Red Day
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement urges Hampton Roads to join the fight against the No. 1 killer of women HAMPTON ROADS, Va., February 3, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks across the … Read more
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Black communities face increased heart health challenges, prompting nationwide call to act
Joining the Nation of Lifesavers™ will train bystanders to become first responders until help arrives HAMPTON ROADS, Va., February 5, 2026 — The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update shows that while meaningful progress continues in reducing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher rates of heart … Read more
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Four Hampton Roads changemakers fight women’s leading cause of death
Hundreds of women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign to champion heart health HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Fri. 6, 2026 — 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 Hampton Roads … Read more
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‘Red Means Go’ for Hampton Roads women’s heart health
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is … Read more
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Sudden cardiac arrest survivor takes center court at 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament
From lifesaving education to powerful moments of recognition, the American Heart Association continues to uplift HBCU communities across Hampton Roads By Alana Coleman, American Heart Association Hampton Roads Marketing Communications Intern Basketball tournaments are full of powerful and exciting moments. One of those came during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball Tournament, during Badge of … Read more
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Community effort advances health and hope in Hampton Roads
The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball celebrates progress improving heart and brain health On average, someone in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as a heart attack or stroke, every 34 seconds.[1] An aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people, … Read more
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Blood pressure kiosks meet people where they are
Devices bring lifesaving access to Western Tidewater faith communities Hypertension is often called the silent killer, a condition with no symptoms that greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In Western Tidewater, where high blood pressure is more common than in other parts of Hampton Roads, this threat has impacted families for generations. … 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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Hampton Roads healthcare and banking executives spearhead local women’s heart health movement
Dr. Amber Price and Alexis Swann to co-chair the American Heart Association’s Hampton Roads 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative HAMPTON ROADS, Va., October 24, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Hampton Roads and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless … Read more
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American Heart Association-Hampton Roads announces 2025-2026 board leadership
Industry leaders and professionals fill key roles to drive heart health initiatives across representing the seven cities HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Oct. 8, 2025 — Striving to make Hampton Roads the healthiest city in the nation, the American Heart Association-Hampton Roads proudly announces its Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This group of dedicated … Read more
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Virginia Natural Gas, President & CEO leads year-round campaign to improve health in Hampton Roads
Shannon O. Pierce named 2026 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Ball Chair HAMPTON ROADS, Va., October 1, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Hampton Roads Heart Ball campaign, Shannon O. Pierce, volunteer chairperson and president & … Read more
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Nationally Recognized Researchers and Volunteers Unite to Advance Heart Health in Hampton Roads
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University hosted its inaugural Cardiovascular Research Symposium with support from the American Heart Association Hampton Roads NORFOLK, Va., September 18, 2025 — Bringing science to life is a core value of the American Heart Association, and Anca Dobrian, PhD, a longtime supporter, Association-funded researcher, and … Read more
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13 hospitals in Hampton Roads recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke
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 HAMPTON ROADS, Va., July 31, 2025 — Thirteen hospitals in Hampton Roads are among the 4,800 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for … Read more
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Hampton Roads healthcare executives take the helm to save lives
Amber Egyud and Donna Runyan mobilize Hampton Roads’ corporate leaders to build community of lifesavers as co-chairs of American Heart Association Heart Walk HAMPTON ROADS, Va., June 25, 2025 — Amber Egyud, Chief Operating & Nursing Officer of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare and Donna Runyan, Chief Human Resources Officer of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, will lead the … Read more
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2025 Hampton Roads 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 HAMPTON ROADS, VA., June 2, 2025 — 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 … Read more
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4 ways to make this summer as safe as it is fun
American Heart Association offers summer safety checklist for families ahead of CPR & AED Awareness Week, June 1-7 HAMPTON ROADS, Va., June 2, 2025 — 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. The American Heart Association, devoted … Read more
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Petersburg barbering and cosmetology school encourages blood pressure screenings for World Hypertension Day
Healthcare visits can be intimidating, and for some, even accessing care in the first place is a challenge. That’s why Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School (ALBCS) is collaborating with the American Heart Association to bring health resources to their students and clients. On the Friday morning before World Hypertension Day (May 17), ALBCS offered … Read more
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Join Us at the Inaugural Rural Health Summit!
Imagine living in a town without a doctor or being 200 miles away from the nearest hospital. For one in five people in the U.S., including 5.7 million residents of rural communities throughout the Eastern States, this is a reality. Rural areas face significant health care challenges. On average, people in these communities live almost … Read more
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Virginia Schools Now Required to Implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans
On March 24, 2025, Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin signed SB817 and HB1695 into law. This new legislation requires schools to develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs). A cardiac emergency response plan is a written document that establishes specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in school settings. A CERP can increase survival … Read more
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Hampton Roads unites to help eliminate heart disease and stroke in women
American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds, while calling for action against health disparities This year, more than 400 people dressed in red will attend the American Heart Association Hampton Roads’ annual Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center … Read more
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Local entrepreneur champions fight for cardiovascular health in Richmond
Kelli Lemon named American Heart Association Central Virginia Leaders of Impact™ winner Kelli Lemon, local entrepreneur and media personality, has been named the American Heart Association Central Virginia 2024 Leaders of Impact™ winner for her work driving equitable cardiovascular health in RVA. The American Heart Association is a global force for a world of longer … Read more
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Heart Healthy Hunting – Paul Murphy’s Story of Surviving a Heart Attack on the Trail
As part of the 2024 Heart Healthy Hunting campaign, Paul Murphy, Vice President/General Manager of InMotion US (Blacksburg, VA), shares his story of surviving a heart attack while hunting with his brother. In November 2016, as they always did together, Paul and his brother Jim went out hunting the day after Thanksgiving. While on the … Read more
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Seven Central Virginia leaders join nationwide effort to ensure equitable health for all
The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ nominees work to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere through community fundraising and philanthropy The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why seven Central Virginia leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to … Read more
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Dr. Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano’s Commitment to Women’s Heart Health
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Dr. Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano, an inspiring leader dedicated to improving women’s heart health. As a Peruvian-born cardiologist, Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano serves as the Director of the Women’s Heart Care Program, Co-Director of the SCAD Clinic, and Associate Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship at the University of Virginia. Her … Read more
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Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Xiomara Encarnacion
Hola! My name is Xiomara Encarnacion, and I am an Agency Relations Regional Manager with Feed More. I am also a proud Latina living in Richmond, Virginia, and a Proud member of the Central Virginia American Heart Association’s Board of Directors. As a Hispanic woman, the American Heart Association’s mission is deeply personal to me. … Read more
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Carrsville Elementary receives financial grant to boost physical activity
American Heart Association grants ignite new health initiatives in schools The American Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded nearly $400 to Carrsville Elementary School in Isle of Wight County, for physical activity equipment and resources. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness initiatives. … Read more
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TowneBank and Riverside Health support American Heart Association Hampton Roads’ maternal and infant health initiative
Leadership from TowneBank and Riverside Health join forces to address the maternal health crisis facing women of all ages and stages in Hampton Roads TowneBank selected Riverside Health as recipients of over 100 Anytime Infant CPR kits to be distributed throughout the communities to new families. The American Heart Association’s updated Infant CPR Anytime Training … Read more
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Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg President leads local movement to improve women’s heart health
Adria Vanhoozier to chair the American Heart Association’s Hampton Roads 2024-25 Go Red for Women® movement Adria Vanhoozier, President of Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2024-2025 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health … Read more
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Hampton Roads 5th grade heart survivor selected as local Youth Heart Ambassador
American Heart Association youth volunteers inspire healthy living in local communities nationwide The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a fifth grader at New Castle Elementary to serve as a volunteer local Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. 10-year-old Abby Larsen of Virginia Beach, VA will … Read more
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Triple-A National Champion Norfolk Tides and the American Heart Association teaming up to save lives through CPR
The American Heart Association Hampton Roads hosts its inaugural Lifesaver Day in collaboration with the Norfolk Tides. With seven in 10 people in America saying they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a … Read more
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Richmond’s Robinson Theater Now Prepared to Respond in Cardiac Emergencies
The American Heart Association and East End Fellowship launched a new Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) at the historic Robinson Theater. Located in Richmond’s East End, the Robinson Theater is a space for community events and programs, including East End Fellowship’s weekly Sunday service. A CERP is a written document with that establishes evidence-based steps … Read more
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She had a stroke at 25. Now she has a message for other young stroke survivors.
Germaine Blakey was doing what she normally did on a Sunday morning. An active part of her church community, she was sitting in the pews when she began to feel unwell. After turning the decision over in her mind, she decided to head home and asked her friend to meet her there. The next thing … Read more
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Aetna Better Health of Virginia CEO to chair movement to turn bystanders to lifesavers
American Heart Association expands lifesaving efforts through corporate-driven Heart Walk campaign [Richmond, VA, June 20, 2024] — Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates.[1] That is why the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years … Read more
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HITT Contracting Vice President steps up to save lives in Central Virginia
Mike Smith to lead American Heart Association Richmond 2024 Hard Hats with Heart Campaign [RICHMOND, VA] June 11, 2024 – Mike Smith, Vice President with HITT Contracting, will work with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to improve health outcomes in the construction industry through the Association’s Hard Hats … Read more
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2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball unites community to raise funds and awareness related to CPR education, tobacco and vaping
American Heart Association annual event raises funds and awareness locally Virginia Beach, VA, May 21, 2024 — The 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living in Hampton Roads. With more than $355,000 raised overall and almost $125,000 raised in the room during the … Read more
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2024 Richmond Heart Ball raises $1.3 million to combat heart disease and stroke in Central Virginia
American Heart Association annual event raises funds and awareness locally RICHMOND, VA, May 7, 2024 — The 2024 Richmond Heart Ball, presented by Dominion Energy, brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living in Central Virginia. With more than $1.3 million raised, funds will support the life-saving work of … Read more
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“We didn’t know children could have strokes.” Nolan’s family shares their story.
Did you know that children can have strokes? About 1 in 2,000 children will have a pediatric stroke in their lifetime. Nolan, now 13 years old, experienced a stroke in his earliest stages of life. “We didn’t know children could have strokes,” said his mother, Barbara. When Nolan began crawling as a child, his family … Read more
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Over 100 doulas and postpartum professionals make the commitment to ensure maternal health is a priority everywhere
The American Heart Association Hampton Roads held a symposium for area doulas to discuss the changes, causes and impacts of cardiovascular disease in pregnant and postpartum women Pregnancy related deaths are on the rise, the cause – cardiovascular disease. Women are experiencing traumatic pre and postpartum complications that have caused what’s supposed to be some … Read more
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2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball rallies to advance health equity
American Heart Association celebration recognizes importance of local supporters and volunteers The 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. The annual gala is a culmination of the year-round American Heart Association Heart of Hampton Roads campaign, an initiative uniting community leaders to invest … Read more
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Local bands raise $31,000 for American Heart Association in memory of band member’s son
(RICHMOND, VA), (April 15, 2024) – Six local bands joined forces on Saturday, March 23 for the first annual Avery Walls Music Festival at The Park RVA. The festival’s purpose was to honor Avery Walls who, at age 20, passed away from complications brought on by a congenital heart defect. Money raised through generous donations … Read more
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Richmond heart disease survivor wins fundraising competition for American Heart Association
Desiree Tunnell named the American Heart Association Go Red for Women’s® Central Virginia Woman of Impact™ Winner (RICHMOND, VA), (Apr. 9, 2024) — Desiree Tunnell, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Central Virginia 2024 Woman of Impact Winner for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight … Read more
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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
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This college athlete listened to the warning signs. Now he’s urging others to do the same.
Twenty-one-year-old Tucker Mullen never expected to deal with heart issues at his young age. A member of the University of Virginia lacrosse team, he thought he was in perfect health. During his first semester of his junior year at UVA, he started experiencing chest pressure, shortness of breath and significant discomfort while exercising. His doctors … Read more
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Hampton Roads executives and companies make bold commitments to support a new century of lifesaving work
With Bold HeartsTM American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of work dedicated to heart disease and stroke. A celebration of a century of profound impact on heart health and well-being, the new year marks the 100th birthday of the American Heart Association and the start of the organization’s Bold HeartsTM celebration. Beginning a new century … Read more
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Join the Nation of Lifesavers™ during American Heart Month and go from bystander to lifesaver
The American Heart Association encourages all Hampton Roads families to learn CPR this February During February – American Heart Month – the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is urging all Hampton Roads families to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR. With … Read more
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Hampton Roads unites to help eliminate heart disease and stroke in women
American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds, while calling for action against health disparities This year, more than 400 people dressed in red will attend the annual Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Luncheon to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward … Read more
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VCU Health Chief of Health Impact leads local movement to improve women’s heart health
Sheryl Garland to chair the American Heart Association’s Richmond’s 2023-24 Go Red for Women® movement Sheryl Garland, Chief of Health Impact for VCU Health, will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2023-2024 Richmond Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness … Read more
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The Port of Virginia Officer and Sentara Health Vice President to lead local effort driving equitable health
Cathie Vick and Ashford Denman named co-chairs of 2024 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Ball As plans are underway for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball, Cathie Vick, Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer, The Port of Virginia and Ashford Denman, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services, Sentara Health have been named co-chairs of this … Read more
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A former athlete and sudden cardiac arrest survivor turns pain into purpose
On February 1, 2023, nearly one month after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football, Damar Hamlin and the American Heart Association launched his #3forHeart CPR Challenge. Yet, 600 miles away, the number 3, held a much different meaning to another athlete. Former basketball star Omar Carter suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on … Read more
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Scientific Sessions: Eastern States Honored Guests Experience
In June 2024, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, celebrates 100 years of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Through the support, dedication and commitment of volunteers across the nation, the Association’s next 100 years, also known as its Second Century, is bright. On … Read more
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One in One Hundred: Alyiah’s Journey from Statistic to Inspiration
Christina Luntzer was stunned when she learned that one in one hundred babies are born with a heart defect. She never imagined that her own child would bring that statistic to life. Before Christina’s daughter, Alyiah, was born, this statistic led Christina to become deeply involved with the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge as … Read more
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Utibe Bassey, Dominion Energy Vice President, to Chair Centennial American Heart Association Richmond Heart Ball
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, October 19, 2023 — As plans are underway for the 2024 Richmond Heart Ball, Utibe Bassey, Dominion Energy Vice President of Customer Experience, has been named chair of this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Richmond, a year-round effort aimed at investing in saving and improving lives in Greater Richmond and the Tri-Cities. “Utibe exemplifies true leadership and … Read more
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Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center President and TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg President to lead 2023-24 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women movement
Dr. Amber Price and Alexis Swann to chair the American Heart Association’s flagship women’s heart health initiative Amber Price, DNP, CNM, MSN, RN, President, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Alexis Swann, President, TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg, will serve as the community volunteer co-chairs of the 2023-2024 Hampton Roads area Go Red for Women® movement, … Read more
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Check it Out: Blood Pressure in Richmond and Petersburg Libraries
Have you heard about the latest addition to the shelves at the library? The American Heart Association is adding blood pressure monitoring stations and loaner devices to libraries across the Greater Richmond and Tri-Cities centered on equity, placing resources in areas with the highest prevalence of hypertension and barriers to care. And there might be … Read more
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Virginia Beach Resident Named Newest Executive for American Heart Association
Virginia Beach resident Kelly Grose has been named the executive vice president for the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association, which includes the 13 states from Maine to Virginia and the District of Columbia. For the last four years, Grose has served as the associate executive vice president for the Eastern States Region, … Read more
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Richmond leaders join local initiative to drive equitable health for all
American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign runs today through Nov. 15 RICHMOND, VA – September 29, 2023 – Where someone lives should not dictate how long they live. Five Richmond leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign to combat health inequities in RVA. Studies show[1] a near 20-year life expectancy … Read more
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$500,000 in grants awarded to improve maternal health outcomes in Hampton Roads
The American Heart Association, CVS Health announce a community-based approach to addressing hypertension, a key risk factor in the No. 1 killer of new moms New mothers in Hampton Roads will now have improved access to hypertension (high blood pressure) care during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. have risen nearly 140% over … Read more
