WORCESTER, Mass., October 23, 2024 – The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why five Central Massachusetts leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in their 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.
“The American Heart Association is continuing the pursuit of a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, through community-based efforts such as Leaders of Impact,” said Brian Shankey, executive director for the American Heart Association in Central Massachusetts. “This program allows area leaders and stakeholders to be a part of the solution to changing health outcomes and raise the profile of 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 October 17. Hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide are now taking part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community 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.
The Central Massachusetts 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
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Ellis Cropper, financial services professional, New York Life
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Christine Fede, supply chain SME, Pitney Bowes
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Echo Louissaint, executive director and founder, C.H.E.E.R., Inc.
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Alycia McCallum, senior loan officer, New American Funding
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Pamela Mills, owner, Red Door Realty
On December 4, one nominee will be named the Central Massachusetts 2024 Leaders of Impact winner. In addition to the local winners, one changemaker identified from across the country will also be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.
“At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. We are thrilled that these leaders have joined us in our relentless efforts to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere but especially in Central Massachusetts,” said Chris Kostiw, chair of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors in Central Massachusetts. “We are committed to removing barriers to equitable health through our work in communities, supporting groundbreaking scientific research and advocating for healthy policies. The Leaders of Impact nominees are playing a pivotal role in driving change and ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live healthier lives.”
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=11424&pg=entry
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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:
Chris Camire: chris.camire@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
