CHICAGO, Sept. 27, 2023 - As the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, approaches its 100th anniversary, the Association’s Metro Chicago affiliate announced that Joan and Paul Rubschlager will receive the Chicago Centennial Award in 2024. The Centennial Award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to advancing the life-saving mission of our organization.

As volunteers for the American Heart Association, The Rubschlagers have:

  • Advanced medical research into new and groundbreaking areas to accelerate the pace at which solutions can be found – This includes through a $2 million donation to fund the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Precision Promise Fund to support the Association’s Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine.
  • Supported the American Heart Association’s commitment to funding early-career investigators, whose work is vital to the future of heart and brain health – The Rubschlagers have funded grants that train young scientists to use the newest tools and trends, such as open science and collaborative approaches.
  • Translated science into community solutions – They supported the placement of a CPR kiosk, first at O’Hare International Airport, and then at Rush University Medical Center to train individuals in lifesaving CPR techniques. To date, the kiosk has been visited by more than 30,000 individuals who learned critical skills that allow them to step in during a cardiac emergency.
  • Dedicated hundreds of hours in service to the Association’s mission – Through roles on local boards and committees, the Rubschlagers have overseen comprehensive programs that address health equity and the root causes of healthy living.

“Joan and Paul Rubschlager have supported the American Heart Association for more than 20 years, giving their time, resources and council to help create a healthier, more equitable Chicago,” said Anna Baniak, senior mission advancement advisor for the American Heart Association. “They are staples at every local Association event, bringing a generosity and enthusiasm that inspires others around them.”

“Chicago has such an integral role in the history of the American Heart Association, and it is because of volunteers like the Rubschlagers that we continue to be able to drive change locally and nationally,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director for the American Heart Association, Chicago. “This award is just a small token of our appreciation for the Rubschlagers as we reflect on the last century and look ahead to our incredibly bright future.”
 

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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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.


For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
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For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
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