PITTSBURGH, June 10, 2024 — Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths in the United States from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half.1  June 10th commemorates the official founding of the Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. After a century of saving lives with the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh community is celebrating 100 years of collaboration as the organization looks to its second century of providing health and hope for everyone everywhere.

The American Heart Association has helped save and improve lives, launched scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the nation. These bold moves have helped transform the nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. View the historical timeline of the American Heart Association to see the accomplishments made since the Association’s founding such as spearheading groundbreaking research, innovation and advocacy to fight cardiovascular disease and pioneering life-saving interventions.

“We realize that our work is not yet finished,” said Leeanna McKibbon, DHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chairperson for American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors and Chief of Staff for Health Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.

“The American Heart Association is encouraging every individual, company, school and community to unite in changing the future of health – not only for ourselves – but for our loved ones and the places we live, work and play. Today and every day, we can improve health and inspire hope for the future everyone deserves.”

The achievements of the American Heart Association over the past century have already resulted in more than $5.7 billion invested in cardiovascular scientific research – the largest investment outside of the federal government – made possible by the passion of community-based volunteers, donors and employees.

“As we close out our first 100 years and begin the next, recent risk factor trends and projections indicate our work remains even more important” said  Matthew Sousa, executive director for the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh. “We know that we can’t achieve our bold goals alone and are grateful to the Greater Pittsburgh community for the passion and commitment they give to support the mission. At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours.”

Reaching the Association’s bold goals is made possible because of like-minded individuals and organizations who share in the vision of better health for the Greater Pittsburgh region and will be celebrated at this evening’s Founder’s Day event.

The American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh will mark the occasion with a Founder’s Day reception.

Monday, June 10th

6:00 pm (Welcome, Matthew Sousa, Executive Director AHA Pittsburgh: 6:30 pm)

PNC Tower “The Park” 28th Floor

300 Fifth Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh

Proclamation & Awards presentation

  • Volunteer of the Century will be awarded to Centenarian - Leda Gismondi who shares a birthday year with the American Heart Association and is the namesake of the Volunteer of the Year award. Leda who has contributed to the association for more than 70 years, will make a special appearance to receive her award with her family.
  • Leda Gismondi Volunteer of the Year will be awarded to Betsy Benson, Publisher, Pittsburgh Magazine.

Countless Pittsburgh area supporters have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:  

  • UPMC and UPMC Health Plan  
  • GBU Life 
  • Zoll 
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Health Sciences
  • Heritage Valley Health System 
  • Peoples Gas 
  • Lindy Paving 
  • The Craig & Jill Tillotson Family 

The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here

To see the new short film, “24 – a short film from the Heart” and learn more about accomplishments in the first 100 years of the American Heart Association visit heart.org/centennial.

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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:

Karen Colbert: 412.475.4928; karen.colbert@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org

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