BOSTON, March 29, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, hosted a Serve Day focused on Hands-Only CPR training on Wednesday, Feb. 28, to wrap up American Heart Month. Serve Day is a dedicated day of action for companies across Greater Boston to support community wellness.
Thanks to Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ support of Serve Day, over 120 companies were invited to an online presentation in which viewers were provided with information on how to respond in a cardiac emergency.
The Serve Day presentation went beyond mere instruction, delving into critical issues of health equity and CPR response disparities. It spotlighted concerning trends such as the gender gap in bystander CPR rates, with women being less likely to receive assistance compared to men. Additionally, it shed light on racial and ethnic disparities, as well, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable access to CPR education and AED access.
Seven in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving skill receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. The American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to make CPR and AED awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across the country.
The goal of Serve Day is to provide opportunities to engage employees in compelling and meaningful volunteer activities that directly support the mission of the American Heart Association. Serve Day is part of the Heart of Boston, a year-long campaign to save lives from heart disease and stroke that is celebrated at the annual Heart and Stroke Ball, which will be held on Saturday, May 4, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
“Serve Day is a way to take the Heart and Stroke Ball beyond the ballroom to support our community and contribute to breaking down the barriers to health for all,” said Eric Green, who chairs the Heart of Boston campaign. “The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives for all. We are thankful for the likeminded organizations who are rolling up their sleeves to help improve the health of all of us here in Greater Boston.”
Blood pressure control, nutrition security, and CPR and AED access have been identified by the American Heart Association’s Boston Board of Directors as key issues to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal of reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
“At Alnylam, we are proud to support the mission and equitable health initiatives of the American Heart Association,” said Simon Fox, vice president, Zilebesiran Program Lead at Alnylam. “We recognize that every individual's health journey is unique and often influenced by underlying social factors, including access to health care. Through this innovative partnership with the American Heart Association, we strive to make a meaningful impact in promoting equitable health outcomes for all.”
To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart of Boston campaign or the Heart and Stroke Ball, visit heart.org/bostonhb or contact Rachel Adjemian, associate vice president of development, at rachel.adjemian@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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chris Camire: 781-373-4521; chris.camire@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org