at
R
O M N H D IC HEART Life is Why RICHMOND SPONSORS
about
American Heart Association
VOLUNTEERS Improving health and wellness in RVA
of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die, BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO.
“That’s why WE ARE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY teaching Hands-Only CPR. CPR, especially if started immediately, can triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.” MICHELLE GOSSIP, MSN, RN AHA VOLUNTEER CPR INSTRUCTOR ARCTIC PROGRAM COORDINATOR VCU HEALTH
The American Heart Association (AHA) in Richmond is led by passionate staff and community volunteers dedicated to creating a world of longer, healthier lives—a world where everyone can achieve their best possible health—but we cannot do it alone. With the help of local partners and experts, we seek to solve complex issues that affect this generation and generations to come, right here in our community.
I lost my father at age three to a heart attack. Years later, I also lost my mom to a heart attack, which she thought was a bad case of heartburn. I work with the AHA to spread awareness about the warning signs and the importance of making your health a priority so that families can spend more precious time together. NIKI CURCI SCOTT AHA RICHMOND BOARD MEMBER EVP, SUNTRUST MORTGAGE
NIKI CURCI SCOTT
Stay connected with us yearround by visiting our website at www.heart.org/Richmond and following us on social media: RichmondAHA AmericanHeartVA RichmondAHA
Our children are the first generation expected to live shorter lives than their parents. The AHA’s youth programs are teaching our kids the importance of developing heart-healthy habits, and that being physically active can be fun! COREY COTMAN PE TEACHER JB WATKINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOGETHER we CAN
IMPROVE
quality of life,
“Nearly half of deaths from heart disease, diabetes and stroke are tied to poor nutrition. We are teaching area residents how to cook affordable, healthy meals using the AHA’s science-based nutrition guidelines and recipes.” CHEF GORDON AND CHERYL RUSSELL AHA MISSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS; OWNERS, C.H.E.T.S.
By working within clinical settings to implement blood pressure control programs, we’re helping the over 200,000 Richmond area adults with high blood pressure reduce their risks for stroke, heart attack and diabetes.” DR. STACEY EPPS AHA RICHMOND BOARD PRESIDENT NEUROLOGIST BON SECOURS HEALTH SYSTEM
ENSURE
healthy environments,
ELEVATE
CARE and
CHANGE POLICY for
ALL people
in the Richmond area.
in richmond
Where we work, play, live, learn and pray should help our health, not harm it. Our Hard Hats for Hearts initiative is bringing sciencebased, workplace wellness resources to the construction industry, which has the highest use of tobacco, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. MITCH HADDON AHA RICHMOND BOARD CHAIR PRESIDENT COLONIALWEBB
“Working together with advocates and congenital heart disease families, the AHA passed legislation in Virginia that requires a simple pulse oximetry test for newborns before they leave the hospital, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of deadly heart defects and saving lives.” JODI LEMACKS AHA VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR MENDED LITTLE HEARTS
40
%
of the population, including nearly
49,000
children, lives in a food desert or area with limited access to nutitious foods.
“We are working on community initiatives with partners like the The Market at 25th Street grocery store in Richmond’s East End, to improve access to healthy, affordable foods for everyone.” SHERYL GARLAND AHA RICHMOND BOARD PRESIDENT-ELECT CHIEF OF HEALTH IMPACT VCU HEALTH
SEPTEMBER 2018
DECEMBER 2018
ACTION: Make a plan to keep your family healthy year-round using our recipes, food and beverage toolkit and suggested ways to work physical activity into your busy schedule. www.heart.org/recipe
ACTION: Give a personal gift to the AHA in honor of someone you love, or in memory of someone you have lost to heart disease or stroke. www.heart.org/donate
OCTOBER 2018
To learn about events and engagement activities being held throughout the year, visit our website at www.heart.org/Richmond and follow us on social media:
RichmondAHA | RichmondAHA
AmericanHeartVA
ACTION: Knit a blanket for infants in our area born with congenital heart defects. Blankets received at our office in Glen Allen will be included in bravery bags distributed by the Mended Little Hearts of Central Virginia to pediatric patients and their families.
WORLD STROKE DAY Monday, October 29, 2018
WHY WE WALK? Thousands of walkers from the city and surrounding counties lace up their sneakers and come out to the Heart Walk for a variety of reasons. Some are raising money and awareness for research and programs, survivors are celebrating another year of living a full life, and others are paying tribute to loved ones lost to this devastating disease. “My family and I are walking in memory of my husband, Jerry Grossman,” says Estelle Grossman. “This would have been his 20th Heart Walk. Jerry was a dedicated volunteer for the AHA, Mended Hearts and a founding member of Mended Little Hearts in Richmond which provides hope and support to children, families and caregivers impacted by congenital heart defects. We are so proud of the work and difference he has made in the community.”
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability around the world. Learn and share the warning signs of stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately if you notice them in yourself or someone else. www.strokeassociation.org
ACTION: Kick off the new year by setting wellness goals for yourself and encouraging loved ones to do the same.
FEBRUARY 2019 AMERICAN HEART MONTH
ACTION: Celebrate American Heart Month all throughout February by attending events, raising awareness and scheduling an appointment with your doctor to know your numbers.
WEAR RED DAY Friday, February 1, 2019 Support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red or organizing an awareness event with your employees or colleagues. Share your photos with us on social media with the hashtag #GoRedRVA
NOVEMBER 2018 EAT SMART MONTH
ACTION: For recipes and other practical information to help you eat smart during the holidays and year-round, join Healthy For Good at www.heart.org/HealthyForGood
GIVING TUESDAY
GO RED FOR WOMEN CASTING CALL
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Support the AHA by giving a personal gift on the International Day of Giving.
Have cardiovascular diseases or stroke affected your life? If so, we are excited to meet you at our casting call where we will be selecting local survivors to share their stories and serve as ambassadors for the cause.
ACTION: Sign up for You’re the Cure, our grassroots network that is impacting legislation being passed at the state and federal level. www.yourethecure.org
HEART WALK Saturday, October 6, 2018 Get your heart pumping at this family-friendly fall event where we celebrate the community’s efforts to forward the AHA’s mission. Dog and stroller friendly, free wellness activities and more!
2018 Chair: Melinda Hancock Chief Financial Officer VCU Health Jerry Grossman at the Walk.
JANUARY 2019
For more information visit: www.RichmondvaHeartWalk.org
GET
INVOLVED. GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON Friday, February 22, 2019 The Go Red For Women Luncheon celebrates our yearround efforts, and includes a survivor speaker, silent auction and a heart-healthy lunch. 2019 Chair: Leigh Sewell, Bon Secours Virginia Health System Learn more at www.RichmondVaGoRedLuncheon.heart.org
MARCH 2019
NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH ACTION: Throughout the month of March, we encourage all Americans to focus on adopting healthy eating habits to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.
APRIL 2019
MOVE MORE MONTH ACTION: Thanks to science and research funded by the AHA, you can find out the seven simple steps that will allow everyone to live longer, healthier lives. Take Life's Simple 7® on our website to motivate yourself to move more throughout April.
MOVE MORE DAY Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Kick off a month-long celebration of physical activity and wellness on Move More Day. Share your favorite ways to move on social media using the hashtag #MoveMoreRVA.
MAY 2019
NATIONAL STROKE AWARENESS MONTH BLOOD PRESSURE AWARENESS MONTH ACTION: Encourage your faithbased organization to host a Power Sunday by downloading our toolkit online. Our toolkit will provide you with the necessary information to raise awareness and discuss common risk factors of stroke throughout the month of May.
WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY Friday, May 17, 2019 More than 1.13 billion Americans have high blood pressure. The AHA encourages you to schedule an appointment with your doctor to check your blood pressure in honor of World Hypertension Day.
BE
WELL. RAISE AWARENESS
ALL YEAR LONG.
6TH ANNUAL POWER TO END STROKE™ JAZZ NIGHT May 2019 (TBD) This free community event provides stroke education to the community about this largely preventable and treatable disease. Attendees are invited to participate in wellness-focused workshops, line dancing and enjoy a hearthealthy dinner.
JUNE 2019 CPR/AED AWARENESS WEEK June 1-7, 2019 Your hands have the power to save a life! Visit our website during CPR/AED Awareness Week to find a class near you or watch our 90-second instructional video on hands-only CPR.
HEART BALL Saturday, April 27, 2019 Encourage your company to sponsor our annual Heart Ball – a celebration of the year-round efforts of our donors and volunteers to advance our mission. 2019 Chair: Mark Hourigan, CEO, Hourigan | Visit www.RichmondVaHeartBall.heart.org for details.
OUR
IMPACT IN THE
WE DID THAT!
We are improving
and saving lives in Central Virginia through many endeavors, from funding life-saving heart and stroke research to advocating for policies that are improving and protecting the health of our community. While our impact has been great, heart disease and stroke continue to be
RVA
COMMUNITY.
the #1 killer of our friends and neighbors. We need your help and support more than ever to continue the progress we’ve made!
CPR TRAINING AS A REQUIREMENT FOR OUR TEACHERS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BEFORE GRADUATION.
OUR VOLUNTEERS AT
NEED: This law adds more than 365,000 life-savers to our community annually, but still only 11% of Richmonders survive from cardiac arrest outside the hospital. We’re working to train more people in our community in Hands-Only CPR, especially highrisk populations, so we can save more lives.
THE STATE CAPITAL ADVOCATING FOR POLICY
EXPANDED HEALTHCARE COVERAGE FOR UP TO 400,000 VIRGINIANS. NEED: While access to medical care will help heart disease and stroke patients live longer, fuller lives, we still have a huge gap in life expectancy based on which neighborhood you live in. The life expectancy in Richmond's Gilpin Court is 20 years less than someone who lives five miles away in Westover Hills. We want everyone to have opportunities to live a healthy life no matter where they live.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
FOLLOW THE DISCUSSION
#CloseHealthGaps
Short Distances to Large Gaps in Health 70 YRS TRACT 107
77 YRS
VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
TRACT 407
BROOKLAND PARK
63 YRS TRACT 301
MUSEUM DISTRICT
GILPEN COURT
WINDSOR FARMS
83 YRS TRACT 106
CHURCH HILL
MANCHESTER
WESTOVER HILLS
69 YRS TRACT 604
SWANSBORO
Life expectancy at birth (years) SHORTER
LONGER
NEED: Yet, smoking related illnesses cost Virginia $3.11 billion in healthcare costs annually. Over 26% of Richmond adults smoke, the highest percentage in Virginia and higher than the national average, and nearly 27% of Richmond high schoolers have tried smoking. We need your support in advocating for an increase in the cigarette tax, because it is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent children from using tobacco products and helping adults quit.
WE’VE FUNDED RESEARCH that has led to the development of the artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, cholesterol inhibitors, micro-surgery and drug-coated stents. NEED: Thanks to these advancements lives have been saved and patient outcomes are better, yet there still is no cure for coronary heart disease (CHD). That’s why we continue to raise funds for projects that look at what triggers CHD long before symptoms and fatal events occur.
HEALTHIER SCHOOL LUNCHES FOR OUR CHILDREN. By working with food and beverage companies, we guided the development and adoption of strong federal nutrition standards for school meals and snacks. NEED: While kids have less opportunity to consume sugarsweetened beverages and unhealthy foods in school, 30% of children in Virginia are overweight or obese. This presents a great opportunity for us to fund programs that instill healthy eating habits and physical activity in our youth.
FAIRMOUNT
VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL
1 MILE
copyright 2015 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
SMOKE-FREE WORK PLACES, BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN VIRGINIA. Research shows that heart attack rates drop immediately following implementation of a smoke-free law, resulting in a 17% reduction after one year and about a 36% reduction after three years.
67 YRS TRACT 203
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Richmond Survivors Have Heart! Cardiovascular disease and stroke affect women and men from all age groups, ethnicities, family histories and walks of life. These local, brave men and women are living testimony that these diseases have no boundaries and are speaking up to help others recognize the importance of awareness and living a healthy life.
DANIELLE WHITE Sandston, Virginia Pregnancy induced heart failure My heart journey started during my pregnancy. My blood pressure was either low or really high, and my heart rate was also very high. I had major chest pain and difficulty breathing. My heart was not pumping as well as it should have been. I was in heart failure. This caused me to go into labor 3 weeks early. I decided that I would fight for my life, fight for my kids.
JAY LAMBERT
I closely followed my doctor’s
DENIS POPP
orders by working hard in cardiac
Mechanicsville, Virginia
MALISSA BRADSHAW
rehab for 15 months and eating
Stroke, Heart Attack,
Richmond, Virginia
a low sodium diet. As a result, I
Heart Failure
Stroke
no longer needed to wear my life
Richmond, Virginia
I never imagined the toll heart
While working out at
vest, a device I had to wear 24/7
Stroke
disease would have on my life. I
the gym six years ago, I felt a
and would save me if my heart
had a stroke in 2000, a heart attack
pop in my head and developed
Three years ago, I was spending
stopped. By taking control of my
in 2004 and was in complete heart
a sudden and severe headache.
health, I feel empowered, and I’m
failure in 2013. Medical advances
I had what would be the first
now sharing that message with
have help to keep me alive for
of three strokes within a couple
everyone as an ambassador for the
years, but it was a heart transplant
of weeks caused by a ruptured
association’s Go Red For Women
in 2017 that has given me new life.
aneurysm. I was only 25 years
campaign in Richmond.
At age 45, I never thought that I
old. The second stroke caused
called 911, and I received life-
would live to see my grandchildren
the left side of my body to be
saving care at the hospital. I had a
graduate from elementary school,
paralyzed, and the odds of
stroke caused by an arteriovenous
but now I look forward to seeing
surviving without permanent
malformation (AVM), a tangle of
them graduate from college. And
mental and physical disabilities
blood vessels in the brain that
being able to do that with the love
were slim to none. Through
bypasses normal brain tissue
of my life, Patty, makes it even
vigorous therapy and with great
and directly diverts blood from
more special.
determination, I relearned how
a regular Friday evening with my girlfriend when all of a sudden, I couldn’t speak clearly, and words came out that made no sense. Luckily, my girlfriend immediately
the arteries to the veins. These
to speak, walk and dress myself.
abnormal blood vessels weakened
While the goal of my therapy was
over time, burst and caused
to become independent, my goal
ARE YOU A SURVIVOR
was to be able to run again and
probably born with. I’ve
of heart disease or
high heels, I’ve completed seven
made a successful
stroke? Please share
half marathons. I’m also serving as
everyone who
your story with us
Heart Association’s Go Red For
survives a stroke is
at www.heart.org/
bleeding in my brain or what’s known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Until this event, I never knew I had an AVM, which I was
recovery, but not
as fortunate as me. The doctors say that what made a difference is
Richmond or call
wear high heels. Fortunately, I have made a full recovery and not only am I back in my favorite
an ambassador for the American Women campaign spreading awareness and hope for other survivors like me!
804.965.6505.
how quickly I got to the hospital. I’m happy to wake up every day, and each day has new meaning. I feel blessed.
Danielle's and Malissa's photos courtesy of EEE Photography
GO RED FOR WOMEN PASSION COMMITTEE
Photo courtesy of EEE Photography
Volunteer with Us! "The Richmond AHA Team is so grateful for our volunteers and supporters who are a relentless force for longer, healthier lives for everyone in the Richmond area. Keeping hearts beating is what keeps our hearts pumping here at AHA. We hope you will join us in our mission!” Michelle Nostheide, Executive Director American Heart Association – Richmond
THE RICHMOND TEAM MISSION COMMITTEE
Whatever your capabilities, interests or schedule may be, we can find a volunteer opportunity that's right for you. Here’s some ways you can help: • Share Tips on Healthy Living at Local Health Fairs • Lead a Heart Healthy Cooking Demo • Advocate for Policy Changes at the Local, State and Federal Levels
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
• Join a Volunteer Committee • Lend a Hand at our Events • Share our Messages on Social Media • Lead a Hands-Only CPR Training • Host a Fundraiser To learn more about volunteer opportunities and to sign-up as a volunteer, visit our website at www.heart.org/Richmond
PULSE (YOUNG PROFESSIONALS) COMMITTEE