ESTERO, Fla., Sept. 25, 2024 — The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition that can lead to serious complications like stroke, and addressing it is crucial for improving overall health outcomes. Recognizing this, one Southwest Florida leader and AFib survivor is joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative. This initiative aims to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in Southwest Florida by raising critical funds and increasing awareness.

As the American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, it highlights the significant impact of health inequities. Issues such as uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), limited access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can affect up to 80% of health outcomes. [1] By addressing these inequities, the Leaders of Impact™ initiative strives to create a healthier future for all.

“The American Heart Association is continuing the pursuit of a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, through community-based efforts such as Leaders of Impact,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association. “This program allows Southwest Florida leaders and stakeholders to be a part of the solution to change health outcomes and raise the profile of ways that we can create healthier lives right here at home. In Southwest Florida, we are proud to announce 2024 Leader of Impact Nominee, Thomas Pritchard, physical education teacher at Canterbury School, Fort Myers’ College-Preparatory School.”

Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launches in more than 150 cities across the country on Oct. 17. At the beginning of the campaign, hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide will take part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program leveraging their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.

“At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. We are thrilled that these leaders have joined us in our relentless efforts to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere but especially in Southwest Florida,” said PJ Bimonte, service operations manager at Arthrex and volunteer board chair for the American Heart Association in Estero. “We are committed to removing barriers to equitable health through community work, supporting groundbreaking scientific research and advocating for healthy policies. The Leaders of Impact nominees are playing a pivotal role in driving change and ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live healthier lives.”

For more information about the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support this year’s nominee, Thomas Pritchard, visit SWFL Leader of Impact Nominee.

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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 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:

Janeth P. Castrejon, janeth.castrejon@heart.org

heart.org and stroke.org