CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, September 29, 2022 – Where someone lives should not dictate how long they live. Two Charlottesville leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign in an effort to combat health inequities in the community. Studies show1 an 11-year life expectancy gap in zip codes across Charlottesville and according to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, this can be caused by social determinants of health and other barriers to achieving health equity for all communities -- factors that include structural racism2 and access to quality healthcare3

“For nearly 100 years, the AHA has been the foremost opinion on how to live a healthy life. The question we are trying to answer in our second century is WHY some people have the resources to live a healthier lifestyle compared to others in the same community, and how do we meet the needs of those who lack access to them,” said Christie Steele-Garcia, Development Director, American Heart Association.

The Leaders of Impact initiative engages community leaders across 150 cities to take part in a seven-week challenge to improve health by raising awareness and funds to support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association.      

Charlottesville nominees were selected to take part in Leaders of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference.  This year’s nominees are:

Dr. Alyssa Cole Mixon, UVA Health - a world-class academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center, a nationally recognized cancer center, and UVA Children's Hospital.

Mike Fox, University of Virginia - a highly ranked flagship school known worldwide.

Beginning on World Heart Day, September 29, nominees will work to raise funds while engaging their networks to directly impact the health of the region. Funds raised will support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to equitable health care access and quality. Currently, the American Heart Association is working with local stakeholders and community members to address barriers and inequities around health equity, blood pressure control, nutrition security, and supporting innovations in research.

2022 Nominee, Mike Fox, will host his campaign fundraising kick-off on Thursday, September 29, World Heart Day, at the Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, starting at 6 p.m. American Heart Association Development Director, Christie Steele-Garcia, will also be present.

“We are thrilled to have these leaders join us in our relentless efforts for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Steele-Garcia. “Cardiovascular disease remains a top killer in Charlottesville. That’s why it’s critical for us to engage volunteers who are passionate about making a lasting impact on their community”.

The Charlottesville Leaders of Impact winner will be announced on National Philanthropy Day, November 15, and will be celebrated at the Charlottesville Heart & Stroke Ball on June 8, 2023, at King Family Vineyards.

For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/?fr_id=7945&pg=entry.  

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley, Communications Director: Kevin.Pauley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org