ROCHESTER, N.Y. April 29, 2026 — The American Heart Association is celebrating efforts to save lives in the Rochester area.

The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, recently presented the Eastern States Corporate Leadership Award to Rochester Regional Health. The Corporate Leadership Award recognizes a company that demonstrates sustained, exemplary support and involvement with the American Heart Association and its mission. This award is given to a select few companies and organizations each year across the entire Eastern States footprint of 12 states and Washington, D.C.

“This award is our way of saying thank you to Rochester Regional Health for working with us in such a meaningful way,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association in Rochester. “Together, we are advancing equitable health and strengthening the American Heart Association’s mission so everyone, everywhere can live a long and healthy life.”

Over the past two years, the American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health have collaborated on multiple events and programs to make an impact in the community, including Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, providing CPR training equipment to faith communities, local schools in Monroe, Genesee and Wayne Counties, the SCN Hospitality Group of restaurants and Rochester R-Centers, and improving health in rural areas and community education through the Red Chair series of videos. On an individual level, representatives from Rochester Regional Health serve on the Heart Association’s board of directors in Rochester and LeKeyah Wilson, M.D., vice president of Community Engagement and Social Impact at Rochester Regional Health, serves as the 2026 Rochester Heart Walk & Run chair. Rochester Regional Health is one of the largest contributors to the Heart Walk & Run, supporting the fight against heart disease and advancing heart health across our community.

“Our work with the American Heart Association helps turn education and prevention into action across the communities we serve,” said David Simpkins, executive vice president and chief marketing, communications and community affairs officer at Rochester Regional Health. “We’re honored by this recognition and remain committed to advancing heart health and equitable health together.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association, visit 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:

Kristy Smorol, communications director: Kristy.Smorol@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org”