LOS ANGELES, February 14, 2024 — Michael Ricks, Providence LA Coastal Service Area Chief Executive, is serving as the chairperson of the 2024 and 2025 Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Ball. The annual gala celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association's vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Ricks has nearly three decades of healthcare leadership experience. He is a well-respected leader having served the past four years as the Chief Executive for Providence Saint John's Health Center.
“For nearly 30 years, I’ve seen the devastation of heart disease and its impact on families,” Ricks said. “I’m inspired by organizations like the American Heart Association that pour their heart and soul into preventing the #1 killer in the world. Continuing to support the AHA and its research will only get us closer to discovering cures for cardiac diseases.”
About every 34 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is the nation’s No. 1 killer, accounting for more than 931,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. Black adults are 32% more likely to die of CVD due to social factors beyond their control. People in some under-resourced ZIP codes also have shorter life expectancies than their neighbors just a few miles away.
“As chairperson for the 2024 and 2025 Heart and Stroke Ball, I hope we will have record-breaking fundraising years so we can advance cardiovascular research and specifically, research that helps close the health disparity that continues to exist in our Black and brown communities,” Ricks said.
In Los Angeles, the American Heart Association is focused on reducing uncontrolled high blood pressure, which disproportionately impacts Black, Hispanic/Latino and Native American populations; improving access to healthy food in communities that need it the most; advocating for smoke-free air policies to improve public health; and building a Nation of Lifesavers by teaching more people CPR to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest.
For the last 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. We reach our goals working with organizations and individuals who share our vision for better health. The Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Ball unites supporters with a shared purpose to raise the critical funds we need to ensure our work continues. Throughout our campaign we celebrate our milestones, we thank our sponsors and we honor our heroes.
The 2024 Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Ball will be held on April 20, 2024 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The gala will recognize Dr. Richard Shemin and Susan Shemin as Legacy Honorees and also mark the American Heart Association's 100th birthday.
For more information about the Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Ball, go to www.heart.org/HeartOfLA.
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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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For media inquiries:
Luis Cruz, Luis.Cruz@heart.org
For public inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org