(AKRON, Ohio), October 29, 2024 – The American Heart Association believes everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why Angela Neeley, MBA, Chief Financial Officer for Akron’s METRO Regional Transit Authority, is joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for residents in the community by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness.

According to the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, health inequities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can impact 80% of health outcomes. [1]

“The American Heart Association is relentlessly pursuing a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, Executive Director for the Northeast Ohio chapter of the American Heart Association. “This program gives leaders in our area the chance to change health outcomes and increase the ways that we can create healthier lives right here at home.”

Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 150 cities across the country on Oct. 17. Hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide are taking part in this seven-week competition to improve their local community’s health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program leveraging their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.

Neeley is joining the Leaders of Impact campaign in honor of her mother, who suffers from heart disease. In 2017, Neeley’s mother had her first open-heart surgery to repair two valves and plug a hole in her heart. Eventually, she will need another open-heart surgery.

"My main message in this campaign is to be mindful,” Neeley explained. “I want to inspire other people in Northeast Ohio to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. We can’t wait until something’s wrong. We have to start eating healthy now and moving our bodies more. We can’t take the time we have for granted.”

At the end of the campaign, one change-maker from across the country will be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.

For more information or to support this year’s nominee, visit the Northeast Ohio Leaders of Impact website.

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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.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell
chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org