GREATER CINCINNATI, Feb. 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is pleased to announce that DP Suresh, MD, FAHA, FACC, FSCAI, Executive Medical Director, Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare will be the first recipient of the Dr. Creighton B. Wright Award. Dr. Suresh will receive this honor at the Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Duke Energy Convention Center.

“Dr. Suresh is longtime supporter and advocate for the American Heart Association and embodies our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Alyson Poling, Executive Director and Vice President of the American Heart Association, Greater Cincinnati. “It is our honor to recognize and thank him for all his outstanding contributions as we celebrate the American Heart Association’s second century.”

Named for Dr. Creigton B. Wright, the award is bestowed upon a medical/healthcare professional who has worked alongside the American Heart Association to improve heart and brain health. Dr. Suresh has been a passionate volunteer for the association for many years and has served in leadership roles in Greater Cincinnati and on the Midwest region board of directors. Dr. Suresh has been dedicated to expanding cardiac research ever since he received his first American Heart Association research grant as a University of Cincinnati fellow in 1998.

Dr. Suresh’s extraordinary support of the American Heart Association has even extended to India where they trained over 4,500 CPR instructors and saturated an entire district with Hands-Only CPR. Dr. Suresh has been instrumental alongside St. Elizabeth Healthcare leadership in establishing a Heart & Vascular Institute. St. Elizabeth Edgewood was accredited by the American Heart Association in September 2018 as a Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, one of only a few in the nation. 

Additionally, Dr. Suresh is working alongside the American Heart Association international team to double up on Get with the Guidelines initiatives for heart disease and stroke across world. Dr. Suresh truly embodies the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives and we are honored to recognize him at the 2024 Heart Ball.

“It’s a huge honor to accept the award from Dr. Creighton B. Wright, who has been a heart health pioneer in our community for the past 30-plus years,” says Dr. Suresh. "If the American Heart Association’s first hundred years were what we call ‘from the bench to the bedside,’ the next hundred could be taking it ‘from the bedside to the community,’ not just nationally, but to the world at large.”

The Heart of Greater Cincinnati campaign is a year-round effort culminating at the annual Heart Ball. The initiative raises funds to support the Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

The Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball is sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare and is chaired by David Spaulding, president of Lithko Contracting. The Heart Ball will honor Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger with the Heart of the City Award, a special recognition for non-medical professionals for their outstanding community contributions.

The annual event is a night to honor survivors, patrons and volunteers of the American Heart Association. To learn more, contact Emily.nickolas@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. 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:
Lori Fovel: Lori.Fovel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org