Augusta, Ga., Jan. 6, 2024 – Shauntia Lewis, an Augusta municipal leader and community volunteer, has been named the American Heart Association 2024 Leaders of Impact™ winner in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, recognized Lewis for the impact she is making in driving equitable cardiovascular health in the community.

In the CSRA, life expectancy varies by 12 years which can often be caused by social drivers of health, deeply rooted inequities related to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms that reinforce inequities in health.

“Shauntia has been an incredible advocate and educator through the Leaders of Impact campaign, bringing awareness to cardiovascular disease and helping to ensure everyone across the CSRA has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” said Ansley Howze, American Heart Association executive director. “Together, we are strengthening our collective future, creating a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”

Over seven weeks, Lewis raised the most funds out of 15 Leaders of Impact nominees in Georgia and South Carolina. She was inspired to take action by her grandmother, Coretha Miles, an influential role model who Lewis witnessed experience a stroke when she was a child.

“Taking part in Leaders of Impact was personal for me because I’ve seen first-hand how heart disease can affect the families and loved ones of those who experience it,” said Lewis. “It has been an honor to use my platform and story to celebrate my grandmother’s legacy and raise awareness of cardiovascular health.”

Lewis is deputy director for housing and community development with the City of Augusta. She also serves on the American Heart Association CSRA Board of Directors.

Leaders of Impact launched nationally on Oct. 17, 2024, in hundreds of communities and culminated on Dec. 4. For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of the 2024 nominees, please visit leadersofimpact.heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

 

For Media Inquiries:

Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org