OMAHA, NE Oct. 20, 2023– Where someone lives should not dictate how long they live. Three Omaha leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign to combat health inequities in the Greater Omaha area. According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, this discrepancy can be caused by social determinants of health and other barriers to achieving health equity for all communities. These factors include structural racism[1], availability of nutritious foods, economic instability and access to quality healthcare. 

“Leaders of Impact in Omaha gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘lift as we climb,’” said Chris Shives, executive director of the American Heart Association, Nebraska. “Our health is a critical component of our ability to show up and positively impact the world around us. By raising funds to promote health equity and save lives, our nine nominees are empowering people across Greater Omaha to be their best selves while improving their communities.”

The Leaders of Impact initiative engages local leaders across Omaha to take part in a seven-week challenge to improve health by raising awareness and funds to support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association.     

Omaha nominees were selected to take part in Leaders of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This year’s nominees are:

Brandon and Summer Rieke
Hannah Tjaden

Beginning on World Heart Day, September 29, nominees will work to raise funds while engaging their networks in opportunities including CPR education sessions and events related to the Association’s annual Heart of Omaha campaign. Each nominee’s efforts will be geared toward [JG1] [SN2] directly impacting the health of all of Omaha’s diverse residents. Funds raised will support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to equitable health care access and quality. Currently, the American Heart Association is working with local stakeholders and community members to address barriers and inequities around healthy food availability, workplace wellness and emergency response plans and CPR education, in line with the American Heart Association’s recently debuted Nation of Lifesavers Initiative. 

 

The Omaha Leaders of Impact winner will be announced following the campaign culmination on National Philanthropy Day, November 15, and will be celebrated at the Omaha Heart and Stroke Ball on Saturday, February 17, at the CHI Health Center.

 

For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees,  visit: http://www2.heart.org/OmahaLeaders.

###

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

For Media Inquiries:
Shannon Hilaire; Shannon.M.Hilaire@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org