Cheyenne Resident Sam Gardner Recognized for Service in Rural Wyoming
In a heartfelt tribute to community support and dedication to improving health equity, the American Heart Association recently honored Sam Gardner, a Cheyenne resident and the community impact director of the organization. Celebrating its 100th year of lifesaving service, the American Heart Association recognized Gardner for her outstanding work in promoting awareness about heart disease and enhancing the health of all Wyomingites, regardless of their geographical location.
Gardner, who also serves as a leader of HeartCorps, received the prestigious HeartCorps Field Supervisor of the Year Award for her unwavering commitment to creating a healthier Wyoming. In her role, she manages and mentors a team of five individuals dedicated to spreading awareness and education about heart health in rural communities. Dr. Jennifer Conner, the vice president of rural health for the SouthWest Region of the American Heart Association, commended Gardner for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the mission of HeartCorps.
According to Dr. Conner, the Field Supervisor of the Year Award is reserved for individuals who not only inspire their team members but also embody the core values and mission of HeartCorps in all their actions. She praised Gardner for her remarkable dedication and profound impact across the state of Wyoming, highlighting her consistent efforts to ensure the well-being and success of her service members.
Gardner’s outstanding contributions were acknowledged during a virtual celebration of service held on July 26, where her commitment to improving health equity in rural America was applauded. The recognition of Gardner’s efforts underscores the importance of community support and collaboration in addressing critical health issues, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
What is HeartCorps and Why is it Important?
HeartCorps, an initiative launched by the American Heart Association in 2022, aims to address health inequities in rural America by providing paid service opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in public health. Service members of HeartCorps receive hands-on experience at partner host sites, where they offer training in essential programs such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), blood pressure screening, and nutrition awareness.
The need for programs like HeartCorps is underscored by the alarming statistics on high blood pressure in America, where nearly half of all adults are affected by this silent killer. Many individuals with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition, leading to preventable health complications such as heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Rural communities, in particular, face disproportionately high death rates due to hypertension, exacerbated by a shortage of healthcare professionals and public health workers.
The American Heart Association’s commitment to addressing these disparities and improving cardiovascular health in rural communities is reflected in the mission of HeartCorps. By empowering service members to tailor programs to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve, HeartCorps aims to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare and promote health equity for all Americans.
The Impact of HeartCorps on Rural Communities
Through its innovative approach to public health education and outreach, HeartCorps has made a significant impact on rural communities across the United States. By training service members in essential skills such as CPR, blood pressure screening, and nutrition awareness, HeartCorps equips individuals with the tools they need to promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
One of the key benefits of HeartCorps is its focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited access to healthcare services and resources. By providing on-site experience at partner host sites, service members are able to engage directly with community members and develop tailored programs that meet their specific needs.
The success of HeartCorps in improving health outcomes in rural America is evident in the stories of individuals like Sam Gardner, whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the communities they serve. By working collaboratively with local stakeholders and organizations, HeartCorps has been able to drive positive change and promote health equity in some of the most underserved areas of the country.
The Future of HeartCorps and Public Health Initiatives
As the American Heart Association continues to celebrate its 100th year of service, the organization remains committed to advancing health equity and promoting heart health for all Americans. Through programs like HeartCorps, the Association aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives and make informed choices about their well-being.
Looking ahead, the future of public health initiatives like HeartCorps holds great promise for addressing the complex challenges facing rural communities. By investing in the training and development of service members, the American Heart Association is laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future for all Americans.
In conclusion, the recognition of individuals like Sam Gardner for their outstanding contributions to public health and community support serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and dedication in improving health outcomes for all. Through programs like HeartCorps, the American Heart Association is leading the way in promoting health equity and empowering individuals to take charge of their heart health. As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past 100 years, we look forward to a future of longer, healthier lives for all Americans.
Learn more about HeartCorps and the American Heart Association’s efforts to promote heart health and wellness at heart.org/heartcorps.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests more than $800 million in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
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 or X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
