ST. LOUIS, October 29, 2024 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of St. Louis Heart Ball campaign, Dr. David Meiners, volunteer chairperson and president of Mercy St. Louis Communities, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in St. Louis has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball 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 the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and underrepresented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Dr. Meiners demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication as a leader in healthcare at Mercy. His passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference positions him as the perfect choice to chair this event,” American Heart Association - St. Louis Executive Director Jennifer Jaeger said. “We welcome Dr. Meiners to the Heart of St. Louis, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
With more than five decades at Mercy, as a surgeon and administrator, Dr. Meiners is Mercy Hospital St. Louis’s first physician leader. He most recently served as chief administrative officer for Mercy Clinic and as surgery department chair in Mercy’s eastern Missouri region. He previously served in Mercy-wide roles as clinical director of surgical services and as medical director of surgical specialties. Dr. Meiners received the inaugural Charles E. Thoele Physician Leadership Award in 2015 for his “commitment to Mercy’s mission and values, long-time leadership, compassionate care, respect for colleagues, co-workers and patients.”
“I'm honored to accept an invitation to chair this year’s American Heart Association Heart of St. Louis event as the organization celebrates 100 years of service,” Meiners said. “The vision of the Association’s original six doctors who sought to understand heart disease to improve lives aligns with Mercy’s vision to pioneer a new model of care and relentlessly strive to get health care right. The lives of patients in St. Louis and across the country are greatly improved thanks to the research and guidance provided by the American Heart Association.”
The 2025 St. Louis Heart Ball, sponsored by Mercy, will be held on January 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in metro St. Louis. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing, and an exciting live auction. For more information on how to support or attend the St. Louis Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartofstlouis or contact Beth.Burks@heart.org.
###
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:
Madelyn Alexander: 314-225-9650; Madelyn.Alexander@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org