(AKRON, Ohio), November 26, 2024 – Angela Neeley, Chief Financial Officer of the Akron METRO Regional Transit Authority and the American Heart Association’s inaugural Northeast Ohio 2024 Leaders of Impact™ nominee, will wrap up her campaign to drive equitable cardiovascular health in the community on Wednesday, December 4th. In Summit County, life expectancy varies by 65-89 years[1] which can often be caused by social drivers of health, deeply rooted inequities related to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms which often reinforce inequities in health.
“Angela’s steadfast efforts are helping to ensure everyone across the Akron area has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “By ensuring access to quality healthcare and addressing health disparities we are strengthening our collective future, creating a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”
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 among younger people are expected to nearly triple the nation’s price tag on cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, according to new published projections from the American Heart Association.
Over the course of seven weeks, Neeley has been participating in a fundraising campaign alongside nominees from across the country.
“Taking part in Leaders of Impact was personal for me because my mom underwent open heart surgery to have two valves repaired and a hole in her heart plugged,” said Neeley. “My family knows first-hand the importance of the work that the American Heart Association is doing. I felt compelled to help get the word out about living a healthy lifestyle to help others live longer.”
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has driven change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, educating health care professionals and patients, and advocating for healthy policies. In Northeast Ohio, the Association is specifically focused on blood pressure control and empowering more people to know how to perform CPR.
Leaders of Impact launched on Oct. 17 in hundreds of cities across the nation and culminated on Dec. 4. Each nominee’s participation is focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise critical awareness and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
For more information about the Leaders of Impact campaign or to contribute to Neeley’s campaign, visit the Northeast Ohio Leaders of Impact campaign page.
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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.
Chelsea Caldwell:
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
