Rochester, NY

A year ago, the world watched as CPR and AED use saved the life of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Today, that incident is still creating a ripple effect through Western New York and beyond. “I think [Hamlin’s] incident was a tragedy that was kind of turned into a testimony and a triumph,” said Alik Matthews, RN, BSN, CPR Instructor with CPR 2 You […]

With back-to-school season upon us, parents are preparing for their children’s return to school. The American Heart Association has some tips to help parents plan school lunches, since they play an essential role in a student’s wellbeing and success in the year ahead. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of illness and premature death in men and […]

Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is once again proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires […]

With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and […]

A program giving New Yorkers a chance to help control a silent killer is back.  The American Heart Association is now recruiting participants for the Check It! Challenge. The challenge is a community-wide program encouraging people to check, change, and control their blood pressure. The program began in Central New York and the Southern Tier and has […]

The American Heart Association is helping local organizations improve the health of Corning and Steuben County. Applications are now open for Community Impact Grants. These grants, made possible by the Estate of Mary Vohar Lilley, help local organizations start or continue programs that have a positive impact on the heart health of the community.  “We […]

Where someone lives should not dictate how long they live. Two Rochester leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign in an effort to combat health inequities in the Rochester area. Studies show[1] a nine-year life expectancy gap in zip codes across Rochester. According to the American Heart Association, a global […]

Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to […]

Almost at the halfway mark, the American Heart Association’s free blood pressure awareness program, the Check It! Challenge, has a reach of 315,000 people. Participants are checking their blood pressure twice monthly and taking advantage of American Heart Association resources provided to them. Each month during the four-month program that began in […]

The American Heart Association, along with chairwoman Kelly Quinn, is inviting Rochester back to its premier event to boost physical and mental health through healthy habits while supporting the lifesaving mission. As chairwoman, Quinn, client manager at Unum and a stroke survivor, is leading the charge to raise $650,000 to support the lifesaving work […]

The American Heart Association has new tools to help improve blood pressure rates in New York State, thanks to a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.  The two-year grant of $1 million will allow the American Heart Association to expand its focus on improving high blood pressure rates in under-resourced communities. Through the “Lower the […]

Two Rochester-area women are being recognized by the American Heart Association. They were both recently awarded funding as part of a program working with community-based businesses to address the social determinants of health. During a ceremony held virtually last month, the Association awarded a total of $65,000 to the top finalists in the National […]

More than 100 clinicians, primary care providers and population health representatives gathered virtually to help make New York State a healthier place at the Regional Hypertension Summit hosted by the American Heart Association. Hypertension is often called the silent killer, and it is the most important modifiable risk factor for heart disease. […]

Kate Eldredge is an experienced development professional, fundraiser, and event manager. Driven by a passion for heart and brain health, she takes pride in fighting for the American Heart Association’s mission to help everyone live longer, healthier lives. As a development director, her goals include helping grow that mission right here in Rochester to […]

The American Heart Association is working to improve hypertension across New York State with a brand new event. The virtual Regional Hypertension Summit will bring together health care organizations, medical practices, and health-focused organizations from across New York State to collectively address blood pressure control and recognize Target: BP™ […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the top awardees of its first-ever EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based hosted by the Eastern States region. The first-place grant of $50,000 was awarded to Pastor Cynthia Wallace of Bible Center Church in the […]

Over $105,000 in Grants Will be Awarded to Local Community Leaders Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and providing communities with much needed guidance […]

Women have a lot on their plates, and sometimes important self-care can take a back seat to work, family and other obligations. In fact, nearly 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, and nearly three-quarters of those with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase a woman’s risk […]

As we strive to live a heart healthy lifestyle, do you know someone that has already made a big change? The American Heart Association wants to celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact on their health with the Lifestyle Change Award. The Lifestyle Change Award, sponsored by Consiliarium Group, honors someone who has made significant, […]

With some hope on the horizon in the fight against COVID-19, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary organization devoted to longer, healthier lives, and CPL, say it’s a good time to stop and take stock of your overall health and wellbeing. That means connecting with your doctor to schedule any check-ups you may have missed in the past […]

The power of partnerships built on trust, dignity and respect was a key theme during March 17th’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Zoom webinar, hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA), Eastern States region. “When you see value in people, it affirms that value that is in you,” said Dr. Abraham […]

Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and providing communities with much needed guidance and support. That is why the American Heart Association’s Eastern […]

Five local leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. These volunteers officially joined their first board meeting during American Heart Month in February.   Mehmet Aktas, MD – Cardiologist, Electrophysiology at UR Medicine       Simone Bailey-Brown, MD – […]

A new Go Red for Women experience is coming to the Rochester area. The popular Go Red for Women Luncheon will be transformed into an online Go Red for Women Experience to support the fight to end heart disease and stroke. This year, participants can take part whenever their schedule allows with a flexible format. More than 30 sites, including sponsors, […]

  The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, along with sponsor UR Medicine, are helping to keep families and communities safe from the flu by providing facts, resources and encouraging people to get a flu vaccine. “Getting the flu vaccine is especially important this […]

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the Buffalo Bills, debuted the first-ever NFL PLAY 60 library, which features kid-friendly exercises to help kids to get their recommended 60-minutes of daily physical […]

We’re all ready to bid farewell to 2020, but are you ready for 2021? Start the year on a path to good health with a New Year’s resolution you can stick to. Vague, non-specific New Year’s resolutions are likely to fail. If you want to get healthy, choosing specific, realistic and attainable resolutions can lead to more success. Begin with small changes […]

The American Heart Association is proud to announce new leaders for the 2021 Rochester Heart Walk & Run. Keith Williams, Managing Partner at Consiliarium Group, and Jennifer Graney, Partner at Consiliarium Group, are serving as co-chairpersons for the upcoming event. Williams and Graney both have decades of experience in employee benefits […]

The American Heart Association is going “beyond the table” to further the commitment of the annual Rochester Heart Ball. Instead of a single event, the Heart of Rochester campaign will extend to a three-month campaign bringing the work of the American Heart Association to life in our community. “We usually come together each year for a beautiful Heart […]

In Western New York, nine organizations received recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health and invest in the health of their workforce as part of the 2020 results of the American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index. The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, created the Index […]

You probably know about the thousands of your fellow community members who take part in the Rochester Heart Walk & Run, the Heart Ball, or the Go Red for Women Luncheon each year, but do you know what else the American Heart Association is doing? “We are so much more than the events you love,” said American Heart Association Executive Director Marc […]

The challenges facing our world are many – from timely concerns such as the coronavirus pandemic and the renewed emphasis it has placed on the need to dismantle structural racism to the ongoing challenges of treating and beating the top two killers around the globe: heart disease and stroke. As president of the American Heart Association, Dr. Mitch […]

A Western New York school is among the recipients of a nationwide grant from the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge has awarded $3,500 to Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina for a socially distant fitness trail. Awarded to schools across the country, the grants continue the American Heart Association’s […]

Everyone needs access to healthy meals, especially in a time of crisis. The American Heart Association spearheaded healthy meal deliveries in Rochester and Buffalo to healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19 in late April. ‘Heat and eat’ meal deliveries from Project Lean Nation were made possible by A.R. Arena Products, Bergmann, Bonduelle, CPL, […]

 It’s time to head back to school, but this year it won’t be the return of a normal routine. With classes happening virtually, in-person, or both, families are dealing with a lot of uncertainties. The American Heart Association has some tips to make this school year’s “new normal” a little healthier. Get back on a sleep schedule Healthy sleep habits […]

This guest blog is written by Rochester-area survivor Miranda Williamson, who is now studying at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. There was once a time 30 years ago when a child born with heart disease had little chance of living a normal life or possibly a life at all. Luckily, advancements are being made every day to help these children. […]

With the summer heat upon us, be sure to protect your heart in the heat. It’s important to know that extreme heat can be hard on the heart. As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors recommend using good judgment when it comes to activities outside in the heat, and that you stay […]

Long before the pandemic, systemic challenges have contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, as well as immigration status, occupation, and language preference, […]

On May 15, the Eastern States Community Impact team launched the first webinar of a series designed to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. The webinar was offered to health equity leaders nationwide and was attended by approximately 1,035 participants. During the webinar, implications of COVID-19 from the perspective of economics, […]

Application deadline is June 1st The American Heart Association is celebrating individuals who have made a positive impact on their health and quality of life with a Lifestyle Change Award, sponsored by Consiliarium Group. Applications for the award are currently being accepted and can be submitted by friends, family, and co-workers. People are welcome […]

With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic keeping more Americans at home, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is embracing the new normal and moving it’s iconic Rochester Heart Walk & Run online. Now in its 30th year, the 2020 Rochester Heart Walk & Run, is a […]

Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but it does. Social factors, which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources, have been mostly responsible for […]

Gov. Cuomo’s call for ending the sale of flavored e-cigarettes doesn’t go far enough, according to the American Heart Association. “We need to protect the health of all New Yorkers by prohibiting the sale of all flavors in all tobacco products,” said Caitlin O’Brien, J.D., New York State Director of Government Affairs for the American Heart […]

My name is Zoe Sher. I have had an atrial septal defect my whole life – all 8 years. I recently had heart surgery to close it because the cardiologist said my heart was getting too big. Before my surgery, I was excited to hear that I needed to have surgery, but on the day of my surgery, I was scared that the surgery would do something bad to me. […]

On World Stroke Day, October 29th, the American Stroke Association offers tips to improve wellness and prevent stroke ROCHESTER NY — October 29 is World Stroke Day and the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, which is the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and […]

NEW YORK – The American Heart Association is very disappointed with the limited scope of the emergency executive action Gov. Cuomo took today, Sept. 15,  which would ban the sale of certain flavored e-cigarettes, and hopes that there is an opportunity to include all flavored tobacco products, including menthol combustible cigarettes. “This […]

Rochester, NY – – Over 7,000 individuals joined the American Heart Association April 6th to help fight heart disease and stroke at the Rochester Heart Walk & Run at Frontier Field. The event was a celebration of the American Heart Association’s year-round opportunities to create a healthier Rochester. Dan Burns, SVP and President of […]

March is National Nutrition Month®. Let’s take this beautiful occasion to talk about you, yes, YOU! Not superfoods, not calories, not carbs. I often begin my nutrition talks by asking the audience how many of them know about heart-healthy eating, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Almost half the room raise their hands. Then I ask how […]

For most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the American Heart Association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, stating that the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather should […]

M&T Bank’s Dan Burns and Mirror Show Management’s Donna Shultz hope to raise $800,000 at the American Heart Association’s April 2019 event Rochester, NY – The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, announces that Dan Burns, President of M&T Bank’s […]

Why wait for the New Year? Finish this year strong! There are a few weeks left to go in the year. Did you know, Americans gain, on average, one to two pounds during the holiday season1, far less than the five-pound gain commonly asserted. That may not sound like much but it can add up over the long run. Here are 3 simple wellness tips to help you enjoy […]

Rochester, NY (November 19, 2018) – – The Rochester American Heart Association kicked off their 2019 Heart Walk & Run campaign with an Executive Breakfast at Oak Hill Country Club on Friday November 16th. Each year the breakfast is held to engage more interest in being part of a movement to help build a healthier Rochester community. […]

ROCHESTER, NY (May 19, 2018)  On Saturday, May 19th, 2018, Phil Muscato, Senior Vice President of KeyBank and Chair of the 2018 Rochester Heart Ball along with over 400 guests celebrated the mission and work of the American Heart Association in our community raising $370,000. The 2018 Rochester Heart Ball was held at Oak Hill Country Club on Saturday, […]

  THIS WEEK, Tobacco 21 was a priority for American Heart Association, American Lung Association and New York State Public Health advocates as they gathered at the Capitol Cardiologist, former smoker, teen among the 50 volunteers, who asked their legislators to protect the state’s youth by raising the minimum legal sales age for tobacco to […]

      Rochester, NY – – Over 4,000 individuals braved the cold temperatures this morning to help fight heart disease and stroke at the Rochester Heart Walk & Run today, at Frontier Field. The event was a celebration of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s year-round opportunities to create a healthier […]

28th ROCHESTER HEART WALK & RUN WHO:       8,000 walkers and runners; Marty Mucci, President and CEO of Paychex & 2018 Chair                               Heart Walk & Run; Drew Marshall, Lifestyle Change Award Winner WHAT:     2018 Rochester Heart Walk & Run WHERE:  Frontier Field, 333 Plymouth Avenue, Rochester WHEN:    Registration […]

MEDIA ALERT! MEDIA ALERT! MEDIA ALERT! 2018 ROCHESTER HEART WALK & RUN WHO:                   8,000 walkers and runners; Marty Mucci, President and CEO of Paychex & 2018                                          Chair Heart Walk & Run; Lifestyle Change Award Winner Drew Marshall, Jr.; WHAT:                 2018 Rochester Heart Walk & Run […]

  April is Move More Month. American Heart Association encourages all Americans to commit to being more active on a daily basis. A recent study from UK’s University of Birmingham found that a group of elderly cyclists have immune systems of much younger people. Staying active does keep the body young and healthy. Every Day Habits I was recently a […]

Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates, recognizes workplace health programs and workforce heart health (ROCHESTER – September 19, 2017) – The 2017 results of the American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index were announced and six local companies achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze level recognition for taking significant steps to […]

Over 7,000 individuals participated in the Rochester Heart Walk & Run event Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Frontier Field to support heart disease and stroke research and programs of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). The Rochester Heart Walk & Run is one celebratory day in the year-round opportunity to take […]

MEDIA ALERT! MEDIA ALERT! MEDIA ALERT! 2017 ROCHESTER HEART WALK & RUN WHO:                   Rochester American Heart Association WHAT:                 2017 Rochester Heart Walk & Run WHERE:              Frontier Field WHEN:                April 22, 2017. Registration opens at 7 a.m./Program begins at 8:30 a.m./Walk & Run start at 9 a.m. […]

Today, countless Monroe County residents and others across the country will take a step towards being Healthy For Good and walk to commemorate the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day. The Healthy For Good movement is designed to inspire all Americans to live healthier lives and create lasting change. It focuses on the simple idea that […]

Put Your Best Fork Forward! By Cindy Chan Phillips As we say good-bye to National Nutrition Month®, we move into the American Heart Association ‘Little Steps, Big Gains’ month long initiative to make little changes for big gains! As part of that theme, we introduce “Put Your Best Fork Forward”, which resonates with many of us any time of the […]

The state Legislature is talking about cutting state funding for public health programs by 20% as part of a state budget deal. We can’t jeopardize important hypertension, obesity prevention and other chronic and infectious disease prevention efforts for underserved New Yorkers.   Please call the leaders of the Legislature today. Here are their numbers […]

Did you know there are 30 American Heart Association walking paths at parks, towns, schools and workplaces throughout Monroe County and Rochester? The establishment of the walking paths is the American Heart Association’s national initiative that champions walking because it has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Curious as to what one […]

March is National Nutrition Month® You have to love this year’s theme: Savor the Flavor of Eating Right. Savoring the flavor brings to mind family food traditions, lingering over a simple dinner with friends. It is quite the opposite of fast foods and salty snacks. This weekend, I slow-cooked a lean chuck shoulder roast in the oven, the wonderful aroma […]

 “Life is Why” music video original score by Josh Kusmierz, Penfield High School class of 2015 and sung by Penfield High School Chorale Rochester, NY – – The American Heart Association rolled out a new messaging campaign called “Life is Why”. Inspired by the tagline, Jackie Mangione, Regional Communications Director for Rochester and […]

Rochester, NY — The American Heart Association is recognizing 4 local organizations as new Fit-Friendly Worksites. Fit-Friendly Worksites promote physical activity and health in the workplace. Through the Fit-Friendly Worksite designation, the American Heart Association works locally with area employers on their wellness and health programs.  More than […]

February is National Heart Health Month. What a perfect time to celebrate with the brand new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)! The federal government updates the DGA every 5 years to help us eat healthfully based on latest research. Here are 5 highlights on how the new DGA supports heart health. Focus on the big picture. The key theme […]

Evidence shows uncontrolled high blood pressure contributes to major health issues; latest research supports lower blood pressure targets to improve heart health Two of the country’s preeminent health organizations, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA), today announced a new nationwide initiative aimed at […]

I am proud to chair the 12th Annual Go Red For Woman Luncheon, which takes place October 29, 2015 on World Stroke Day. This event is the culmination of the year-long 2015-2016 American Heart Association Go Red For Women campaign. It is a great honor to be the first male chair of this campaign and event. I value not only the women who work for Pike, but […]

American Stroke Association of Rochester Celebrates Sharegivers Graduation Tomorrow Proving life after stroke can be meaningful, productive, and independent   Wednesday, September 23, 2015 (Rochester, N.Y.) – – The American Heart Association, in partnership with Nazareth College and a collective group of hospitals in Rochester, will host […]

Written By:  Cindy Chan Phillips We often hear about the BHAG in the corporate world of setting business goals – Big Hairy Awesome Goals. When it comes to our health, however, small changes can mean big results for health. Let’s look at a few simple tips: Physical activities The American Heart Association and the Physical Activity Guidelines for […]

Stroke has dropped from the nation’s fourth-leading cause of death to No. 5, according to new federal statistics. It is the second time since 2011 that stroke has dropped a spot in the mortality rankings. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, stroke swapped positions with unintentional injuries, which killed 1,579 […]