Hot Springs cardiologist leading year-round campaign to improve health and spread message of health equity in Garland County

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., Sept. 30, 2024 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of Hot Springs’ Heart Ball campaign, Lindsey and Dr. Jason Pelton, an interventional cardiologist with CHI St. Vincent, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in the greater Hot Springs area has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.

The Hot Springs Heart Ball, set for Feb. 15 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of residents in Garland County.  These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and under-represented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.

“This community is very important to me,” Dr. Jason Pelton,” said of Hot Springs, which is home to about 38,000 people. “My family lives here. My wife, Lindsey, and I could have gone anywhere in the country, but we chose to come back home.

“The American Heart Association is vital in helping keep this community healthy by not only advancing research on treating heart disease, but more importantly, preventing it.”

His reach as a physician extends beyond Garland County. He travels weekly for outpatient visits in Camden, and his hospital has outreach clinics in Murfreesboro and DeQueen. Jason Pelton has been involved with Heart Ball for five years, and Lindsey has served the Hot Springs Heart Ball executive leadership team for the last three years.

“We are excited to see how we can extend the reach of the American Heart Association’s mission beyond the event itself, driving impactful change at the individual level,” said Lindsey Pelton. “We are also eager to share stories of hope and resilience, highlighting the real-life impact of our collective efforts.”

The 2025 Hot Springs Heart Ball – sponsored locally by CHI St. Vincent, Ouachita Regional Pain Management and National Park Medical Center – will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing, a live auction and introduction of the 2025 class of Hot Springs Sweethearts. The event is expected to draw about 800 people and raise upward of $280,000.

The campaign is raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers, an initiative aimed at empowering bystanders to become lifesavers through CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) education. The program seeks to increase the number of people who can respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, thereby improving survival rates.

For more information on how to support or attend the ball, visit heart.org/HotSpringsHeartBall or email Kathy.Findley@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 or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org

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