Virginia

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 […]

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 […]

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 the second […]

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 a local […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, involved in […]

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 […]

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% […]

The American Heart Association receives funds to enhance blood pressure programming and reduce risks of heart disease and stroke in families across Virginia. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, alongside Sentara Health commits to equitable health for all by eliminating uncontrolled high blood pressure and […]

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  43 hospitals in Virginia 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 highlights real student stories to inspire healthy habits in schools nationwide Fifteen students from coast to coast are joining the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to champion their peers to live heart healthy. Representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, these youth […]

RICHMOND, VA – The American Heart Association and Richmond Heart Walk Healthy for Good sponsor, Molina Healthcare, will honor those who have made healthy lifestyle changes at this year’s Richmond Heart Walk on Saturday, October 21 at Innsbrook. Nominations opened on August 1 for the Richmond Lifestyle Change Awards, which will recognize those that have […]

Pat Davis-Hagens leads American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Challenge Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and Pat Davis-Hagens, Market President, Bon Secours Hampton Roads is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Davis-Hagens will serve […]

Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is once again proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires […]

The American Heart Association Founders Day June 10 celebrates 99 years of work dedicated to heart disease and stroke June 10 commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association (the Association), the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Leading up to the […]

The American Heart Association Hampton Roads awards rapid transport flight team from Sentara Health acknowledging their contributions in support of heart and brain health The American Heart Association Hampton Roads hosted An Evening In Monte Carlo, the 2023 Heart Ball at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, a celebration of the Heart of Hampton Roads […]

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 […]

For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has worked tirelessly to make policy changes that save and improve lives. This year in Virginia, we took a multi-faceted approach and focused on CPR funding, food access, and fighting against harmful tobacco policies. Tobacco – In addition to fighting for policy, sometimes we must fight against […]

The 2023 Hampton Roads Heart Ball will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, VA. The annual gala is a culmination of the year-round American Heart Association Heart of Hampton Roads campaign, which kicked off on Valentine’s Day. This year’s chairwomen announced an initiative uniting community leaders to […]

Randi White wrote a letter in the notes section of her phone, for fear she might die while giving birth. She pleaded, “If I hemorrhage at all after birth, make sure they get blood work and a CT SCAN IMMEDIATELY. Don’t let them take more than a couple hours to do so…PLEASE FIGHT FOR ME.” It all began in 2011, when Randi bled for four months […]

Seven prominent local women will help advance heart health and raise lifesaving funds to fight their No. 1 health threat with the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as members of its Hampton Roads 2023 Woman of Impact class. Each year a select group of individuals across Hampton Roads are nominated by their peers […]

By Brittanie Vogen OTR/L, MOT, American Heart Association Community Impact Director for the Blue Ridge Virginia area     In the City of Roanoke, nearly 40% of the population report having high blood pressure (BP). Over the past year, Planned Parenthood (PP) South Atlantic has provided reproductive health services, STI testing and treatment, […]

As champions for health equity, the American Heart Association is committed to advancing cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. This is especially important for those who are uninsured or underinsured. The City of Petersburg is a resilient community, but one with significant […]

Two Sentara Healthcare executives will co-chair the American Heart Association’s annual Heart & Stroke Ball in 2023. Liisa Ortegon, President of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and Terrie Edwards, Southside Region President, will also co-lead a continuing campaign called Heart of Hampton Roads, which is focused on improving health equity and […]

The American Heart Association encourages Hampton Roads to boost mental and physical health while funding community wellness. The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting Hampton Roads back to the Heart Walk. This is the organization’s premier event to boost physical […]

The American Heart Association is doubling down on last year’s successful Pack the Pantries food drive through the Richmond Heart Walk campaign and hoping to gather 2,000 pounds of heart healthy foods to donate to local food pantries. The campaign, which will be active until the Heart Walk on October 22 at Libbie Mill Midtown, will provide boxes to […]

Community leaders to co-chair American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announces Nneka Chiazor, Vice President of Government & Public Affairs for Cox Communications and Dana Beckton, Chief Diversity Officer for Sentara Healthcare as the […]

The American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded $2,500 to Mount Pleasant Elementary School in Roanoke, for physical activity equipment. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness programs. The grant the school received will help […]

The American Heart Association and Richmond Heart Walk Healthy for Good sponsor Molina Complete Care will be honoring those who have made healthy lifestyle changes at this year’s Richmond Heart Walk on October 22 at Libbie Mill Midtown. Nominations officially opened on August 1 for the Richmond Lifestyle Change Awards, which will recognize those that […]

The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, will be welcoming the Hampton Roads community in-person for the Peninsula Heart Walk on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Fort Monroe and the Southside Heart Walk on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Chesapeake City Park. Reese Jackson, President & CEO of Chesapeake Regional […]

  Corporate Executives and Medical Leaders elevate their roles on the Hampton Roads Executive Board. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, named four familiar individuals to the Hampton Roads Executive Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Scott Kern, Vice President Business Process & Projects, […]

It was the Monday following President’s Day weekend. Scott Kern was anticipating a busy day in his Executive Office at Dollar Tree Headquarters in Chesapeake, VA. Before he arrived at work, he’d spent some time in the gym, working out, preparing for a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the next day. Kern proceeded to skip multiple flights of stairs, […]

The American Heart Association Hampton Roads hosted Coastal Nights, the 2022 Heart & Stroke Ball in Virginia Beach, VA, the first in-person Heart & Stroke Ball for the market since 2019. The program was filled with impact and included a tribute to 2022 Chair, Thomas Hasty, a performance from billboard chart topping sax-man, Elan Trotman, a […]

Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to […]

An advocate for women’s health, access to care, and quality of care, Megan Buchholz is no stranger to the symptoms and the preventative measures adults should be aware of to live heart-healthy lives. She created the “Moms Matter” initiative, a program unique to Hampton Roads, providing home-based follow-up assistance and care for moms discharged from […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named Darrin Johnson, Plan President at Molina Complete Care, as Chair of the Richmond Heart Challenge campaign. As Chair, he is focused on driving equitable health for every member of our community, with a special focus on health […]

High blood pressure is among the many risks that contribute to cardiovascular disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, women represent almost 52% of deaths from high blood pressure. As a risk that continues to aid in the expansion of kidney failure, eye damage and more, it is especially important for women to know their numbers. […]

Wesley Community Service Center, located in Portsmouth, Virginia, a city in Hampton Roads comprised of approximately 72,820 adults; 38.2% of whom have reported suffering from high blood pressure, serves as a vital resource for individuals within the community. The American Heart Association Hampton Roads recently implemented their Blood Pressure […]

American Heart Association’s famous community impact movement returns to Hampton Roads Today the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the 2022 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women® Luncheon will return to our community in a digital experience style. This signature event […]

The American Heart Association applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) expansion of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) postpartum coverage in Virginia. This change will affect approximately 6,000 Virginians and will allow Medicaid and CHIP participants to keep their coverage for 12 months instead of just 60 […]

Hampton Roads, VA (December 3, 2021) — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, names Thomas Hasty, as the 2022 Chair of the Heart of Hampton Roads, Heart and Stroke Ball. Thomas Hasty, SEVP and Chief Regulatory Risk Officer for TowneBank serves as the first, African American […]

Trevor Mann believes in volunteering. He says, “there is nothing better than the feeling of pouring yourself into your community, and healthy living is contagious to those around you.” His motto is everything in life feels better when your body is strong and healthy and lives those words by being a consistent bodybuilder and runner. His […]

Hampton Roads residents, friends, colleagues, and community leaders welcomed Heart Walk back as an in-person experience with a new location hosted by the American Heart Association Hampton Roads, sponsored by Bon Secours. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, continues to encourage an increase in physical activity […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named Autum and husband Eric Edwards, CEO of Phlow Corporation, as co-chairs of the Heart of Richmond campaign. In this role, they are focused on driving equitable health for every member of our community, with a special focus on […]

Active kids have a better chance of a healthy adulthood, and what better way to stay active than sports? The American Heart Association Hampton Roads and local Heart Ball sponsor, Planet Fitness celebrated a successful “A Ball for All” initiative, to support the students of YELLOWHAB, the first of a network of micro-schools offering individualized […]

Mitch Haddon has assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the Eastern States region of the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building longer, healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Haddon currently is President and Chief Executive Officer of ColonialWebb […]

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 […]

Chesapeake, VA  July 23, 2021 — The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, installed a walking path for the residents of public housing community, MacDonald Manor in Chesapeake, Virginia. According to the AHA, for every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy for some […]

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 […]

Amy Carrier, President, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System to serve as 2021 Heart Challenge Chair The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, hosts Heart Challenge, a suite of activities and initiatives that include the Heart Walk, CycleNation, and Field Day events in the […]

The American Heart Association works collaboratively with organizations and community leaders across Virginia to improve the health of all. AHA is an organizational member of Richmond based Community Unity in Action (CUIA) – a collective comprised of more than 20 non-profits with five focus areas to advance food justice within the Food Justice […]

The power of partnerships built on trust, dignity and respect was a key theme during March 17th’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Zoom webinar, hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA), Eastern States region. “When you see value in people, it affirms that value that is in you,” said Dr. Abraham […]

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 […]

Melanie Withers is a Heart Mom who wants to continue to share Blakely’s story, not only to keep her story alive but to help other Heart Parents who are facing similar battles. If you are reading this, consider yourself privileged. Privileged to even hear the story of my sweet Blakely Elizabeth. She was feisty, she was loving, she was her mother’s […]

Devon has been named a Go Red for Women “Real Woman” spokesperson for our Go Red for Women national campaign. She is in the first class ever selected for Congenital Heart Defect Survivors. This is her story. I was born with an atrioventricular septal defect and a mitral valve defect. My parents were given two choices when I was born: […]

Throughout December, the American Heart Association, Richmond Public Schools Engagement Office, and Chef Ray Britt brought together students from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School at the Market at 25th to ignite a passion for cooking. Through hands-on cooking experience, students increase their knowledge and healthy cooking habits, empowering them […]

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 […]

Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices, and eating together with your family has been proven to have many benefits beyond a better diet. You don’t need to be a chef to create nutritious, heart-healthy meals your family will love. Throughout May and June, Chef Jason Muckle with CHEW (Cooking for Health Education and Wellness) converted the […]

Because of the dedication of AHA supporters and volunteers statewide, it was a landmark year of public policy achievements for cardiovascular health in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These successes demonstrate that constituents have the power to make significant change when they join in the fight against heart disease and stroke. “As a stroke survivor […]

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 […]

The American Heart Association is deeply concerned about the public health crisis facing our country. Our top priority regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) is the health and well-being of all individuals and their families today and in the future, in every community, everywhere. Millions of people are counting on us for science-based information, health […]

The American Heart Association and local top Heart Walk sponsor, Bon Secours Mercy Health are helping Hampton Roads residents take ownership of their cardiovascular health through hypertension management. On Thursday, February 27th, Bon Secours Mercy Health provided blood pressure screenings for the employees at the City of Suffolk as a kickoff to a […]

The 2020 Roanoke Heart Ball was not only a lovely event with great attendance, great food, lots of fun and plenty of excitement, but it also became the highest-grossing Heart Ball in event history! Thanks to a perfect storm – great attendance, incredible sponsors and so many generous donations made that night – the 2020 Roanoke Heart Ball […]

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care providers located in urban, suburban and rural communities that provide care in underserved areas.  FQHCs serve a critical role in the health care safety net by providing comprehensive primary and preventative care regardless of an individuals’ ability to pay. The American Heart […]

When faced with challenges recovering from heart disease or stroke, it’s important to have emotional support. That’s why volunteers, staff and heart attack survivors visited the advanced heart failure floor of Norfolk Sentara Heart Hospital and the cardiac rehabilitation program at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare in Hampton Roads to deliver […]

 Healthy Market VA, a coalition of organizations representing thousands of Virginians with chronic diseases, small business owners, and older adults spoke out on Tuesday, January 28 at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond to ensure that preserving life-saving patient protections and strengthening Virginia’s health insurance marketplace are top […]

“The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Medical Society of Virginia, and Tobacco21.org appreciate the Governor including an increase in funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, seeking funding for reinsurance, and including a tobacco tax in his proposed 2021 budget. However, the proposed […]

When Ashley Ege, Senior Director of Development for Greater Virginia, became a member of the Danville Virginia Health Collaborative she never expected the group would send her down to the “Big Easy,” yet that’s exactly where she found herself recently. “Eighteen months ago I took on the co-chair position of the Healthy Spaces Action team, which is a […]

The vaping crisis impacting our youth is growing each year. New studies from the American Heart Association show that 1 in 4 high school students is vaping and we know that the number of teen e-cigarette usage has doubled nationally over the past year. To combat the impact, the Association has launched its #QuitLying campaign, calling Big Vape to task […]

The American Heart Association in Richmond recently teamed up with La Casa de la Salud (LCS) to improve the rate of bystander CPR among the area’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. LCS is a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, well-being and access to resources for this at-risk population. “Latinos and Hispanics are at […]

The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Tobacco21.org, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia urge the Governor to take immediate action to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes; and levy a $1.80 comparable tax on […]

Black Pride RVA was held the weekend of July 18th-21st. The goal for the weekend of events was to educate, embrace and celebrate the unique lived experiences of the black LGBTQ community of greater Richmond, Virginia and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The AHA is increasing our outreach and engagement with the LGBTQ community to support improving […]

With a heat advisory in place over Central Virginia this week, the American Heart Association urges you to take precautions to protect your heart.  With temperatures forecast in the upper 90s, and heat index even higher, it’s important to know that extreme heat can be hard on the heart.As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health […]

The City of Richmond in Virginia allocated $15 million in their budget to make transportation in the city safer for pedestrians and bicyclists through implementing Complete Streets policies.  “Complete Streets” is a term describing a community that has safe and convenient travel for everyone and for all modes of transportation. Complete streets have […]

The American Heart Association and F&S Building Innovations encouraged Roanoke Go Red for Women Luncheon guests to support the health and well-being of individuals served by the Bedford Pregnancy Center and Street Ransom by donating personal care items. The two local charities and the American Heart Association share a common goal of helping […]

The energy and spirits were high at the inaugural Richmond CycleNation event on May 30th.  CycleNation empowers participants to use bikes to get brain and heart-healthy – all while raising funds for community programs that will prevent stroke and heart disease. Co-workers, friends and family rang cow bells and cheered on teams at this relay style […]

The American Heart Association in Richmond recently teamed up with Bank of America and United Way to restore old and install new playground equipment in Mosby Court, one of four public housing communities in Richmond’s East End.  The project also includes the installation of an early learning path.  New playground equipment and the early learning path […]

Over 600 Richmonders were informed and entertained at the 6th annual Power to End Stroke® Jazz Night held on May 23rd at the Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia.  Guests attended a variety of workshops on topics like medication management, healthy cooking and managing risk factors. They even experienced what it felt like to have a stroke […]

Filling a void for a full-service grocery in Richmond’s East End, the highly anticipated The Market @ 25th opened its doors to happy customers on April 29th. The Market @ 25th will increase access to fresh, healthy foods while also serving as a community hub for area residents.  The store also houses Hope Pharmacy, a locally owned and operated […]

On Friday, March 22, 2019 the American Heart Association (AHA) in Richmond, VA brought together several partners with a passion for cooking to achieve a common goal:  to empower others to live healthier by learning how to cook nutritious, yet budget-friendly, meals at home. Representatives from five local organizations were trained as “chef partners” […]

Richmond, VA – (March 19, 2019) – Spring is almost here which means the 27th Annual Richmond Heart Ball is right around the corner. As we look forward to the big day, we are excited to celebrate healthy eating as a part of National Nutrition Month by challenging Richmond’s top chefs to create heart healthy hors d’oeuvres and desserts as a part of the […]

In March of 1997, Beth Williamson Ayers gave birth to her son, Owen. Healthy and happy after a smooth pregnancy and delivery, Beth returned home with her son and visiting family members. Five days later, however, while spending time with her sister, Beth began experiencing shortness of breath. Immediately, her sister called Beth’s OB-GYN to explain the […]

Community environments play an important role in health outcomes. People living just 5 miles apart can in some cases have a difference in life expectancy of more than 20 years due to factors such as economic stability, education, societal influences and health care.  Through the American Heart Association’s 2019 EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health […]

Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke or a heart attack. Less than one third of high school students get the recommended amount of daily physical activity and 30 million people in the United States have no easy access to healthy food . The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain […]

Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke or a heart attack. Less than one third of high school students get the recommended amount of daily physical activity and 30 million people in the United States have no easy access to healthy food . The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain […]

The American Heart Association (AHA) is hosting the 2019 Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards tonight at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas.  Two special Virginians will be honored during the ceremony and dinner:  Coach Frank Beamer and standout teen athlete and heart survivor, Johnny Oates, from Chester, Virginia. Frank Beamer will be in attendance and receive […]

Sylvia May recalls the day clearly. At 21-years-old, she woke up on a typical Friday morning and headed to her job with the Air Force working on fighter planes. Her day began with an inconvenient headache; however, this was the first sign of an impending stroke. Throughout the work day, Sylvia’s headache persisted. Along with this, she began hearing a […]

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) recognized Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists, VCU Health System and Central Virginia Health Services as leaders in their national initiative, called Target: BP,  to get people’s blood pressure under control and reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes […]

I never imagined the toll heart disease would have on my life.  I had a stroke in 2000, a heart attack in 2004 and was in complete heart failure in 2013.  Medical advances have helped to keep me alive for years, but it was a heart transplant in 2017 that has given me new life.  At age 45, I never thought that I would live to see my grandchildren […]

If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend. About 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home and as one study reports, the holiday season is prime time for them to occur as cardiac arrest deaths are 33% higher in December and […]

Richmond, VA – Three year old, Finn Blumenthal, will serve as a national ambassador for American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge! Since 2016, Finn and his mom, Kelly, have helped local schools raise funds for the American Heart Association. This year, the American Heart Association chose Finn to be a national ambassador for the […]

The Empowered To Serve Urban Health Accelerator expands the work of American Heart Association in local communities as we seek to address social issues impacting the ability of individuals to attain the healthiest life possible. The Barbara Houston Urban Health Accelerator HBCU Legacy Grants: Made possible through the support of Mr. John Houston, III, […]

We are excited to begin highlighting resources for improving clinical care around blood pressure and cholesterol from around our networks each month.  Continue to check back for more updates and the latest news.   Action Needed: Submit Comments by 11/7 We must show the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that the medical community […]

Imagine a healthier community for all, where heart diseases and stroke are no longer our leading killers, and every member of every community is able to achieve well-being supported by the places they live, learn, work, play, pray and heal. At the American Heart Association, we are dedicated to promoting health and well-being for all and have made it […]

The American Heart Association is celebrating LGBTQ Pride month this June by sharing resources and participating in different events across the country. Teri Arnold, Marketing and Communications Director for the Hampton Roads, Virginia region and Communications Officer for AHA’s Hearts With Pride Employee Resource Group, recently told her heart attack […]

About 103 million adults (nearly half) in the United States have high blood pressure. Research shows that high blood pressure is a contributing factor to major health conditions including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health concerns. Research also shows that 45.9% of those with high blood pressure are not controlled, […]