LOUISVILLE, February 21, 2024 — The 2024 Kentuckiana Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, February 24, at the Omni Hotel in Louisville. The annual gala is a culmination of the year-round American Heart Association’s Heart of Kentuckiana campaign, an initiative uniting community leaders to invest and make an impact in improving and saving lives in the fight against cardiovascular disease – the nation’s No. 1 killer. The event will also celebrate the American Heart Association’s 100-year birthday in 2024.

“With 1 in 5 deaths in America attributed to heart disease, it is obvious that we need to address this health crisis,” said Rob Jay, Kentuckiana Heart Ball Chairperson and CEO of ScionHealth. “It is ScionHealth’s goal to improve the health and well-being of individuals in local communities nationwide. We are proud to sponsor the American Heart Association and help to bring attention, research and critical funding to address the growing epidemic of preventable heart disease and related deaths.”

The American Heart Association has designated Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in schools as one of the critical issues to address this year to measurably improve the health of Kentuckians. Recent data indicates that 23,000 children in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. CERPs in schools can more than double survival rates from cardiac arrests, and in schools with AEDs, 70% of children who experience cardiac arrest survive – which equates to seven times the average survival rate.

“Through our science, brand, and grassroots efforts, the American Heart Association has the opportunity to help lead the way in saving lives, not only through instruction and education, but by working to advance policy change across the country,” said Ashlea Christiansen, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Kentucky. “Our moment is here. Let’s set an example here in Kentucky and help build a nation of lifesavers.”

Last year, the American Heart Association in Kentucky advocated for House Bill 331, which requires middle and high schools to implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans as funding allows. While HB 331 was signed into law in 2023 making Kentucky one of the first in the nation to pass similar legislation at the state level, it remains unfunded, which is why this year, the Association is advocating for lawmakers to fund these lifesaving measures. The Association has also been working to pass House Bill 169, which would expand upon last year’s legislation and require elementary schools to have those same safety measures in place.

The 2024 Kentuckiana Heart Ball is sponsored by Live Fierce Kentuckiana Sponsor ScionHealth, Live Fierce Take Action Sponsor University of Louisville and UofL Health and Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Sponsor Kentucky Association of Health Plans, among others. This year’s special survivor honoree, Ella Beames, a junior at Bellarmine University, will join patrons at the event, where attendees will enjoy a fabulous evening of dining, dancing to The Party Feels and an exciting auction.

The Heart of Kentuckiana campaign and the Heart Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to healthcare access. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information, visit www.heart.org/kentuckianaheartball.

 

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries:
Afton Fairchild: afton.fairchild@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org