HARTFORD, CT, December 15, 2023 — The American Heart Association proudly recognizes Dr. Seth Lapuk with the Leadership Legacy Award in Connecticut. The Leadership Legacy Award is an award which recognizes current and alumni volunteers for exceptional service and contributions over a significant period of time.

Dr. Lapuk began his involvement with the American Heart Association as a member of the Founder’s Affiliate Board of Directors and is a current member of the Connecticut Board of Directors.  A longtime  active board member and volunteer, Dr. Lapuk served as Connecticut board president from 2013 through 2016. He has also led the Greater Hartford Heart Walk as event chair.

A passionate and strong supporter of the Association’s mission, Dr. Lapuk has spent countless hours advocating for health equity for all Connecticut residents. He currently serves as a member of the Connecticut board’s advocacy workgroup and has spent time meeting with legislators at the State Capitol providing testimony as a Connecticut resident, pediatric cardiologist, and father. 

In 2012, Dr. Lapuk helped to lead the first Little Heart Hero Day in Connecticut to engage children with congenital heart defects and their families with the American Heart Association’s mission. The event drew families from across the State, combining education and mission awareness in a fun environment.

“Dr. Lapuk has been a longtime passionate volunteer and board member who has made a tremendous impact in Connecticut improving hearts and lives,” said Association Executive Director, Adria Giordano. “He has been instrumental in advocating for change and helping us make Hands-Only CPR a high school graduation requirement. Because of his commitment and passion, there will be a new generation of lifesavers.”

Dr. Lapuk is a Pediatric cardiologist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Connecticut,” said Giordano. Without our dedicated volunteers, the work the Association does in our community would not be possible,” said Giordano. “We want to sincerely thank Dr. Lapuk for his dedication and tremendous commitment to making hearts healthier in Connecticut.”

For more information on the American Heart Association’s work in Connecticut, go to heart.org/Connecticut  

                                                                        ###

For Media Inquiries:  
Mary Ann Burns, Regional Communications Director  
mary.ann.burns@heart.org | Cell: 413-335-9044
American Heart Association Connecticut Blog: https://easternstates.heart.org/connecticut/
Social Media: www.twitter.com/heartCONN Facebook: www.facebook.com/heartCONN                           

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.