Southwest Florida Resident Joins Nationwide Health Equity Initiative
In a bid to advance health equity and improve outcomes for individuals battling atrial fibrillation (AFib), the American Heart Association has launched its Leaders of Impact™ initiative. This initiative aims to raise critical funds and increase awareness to remove barriers to equitable health for residents in Southwest Florida. ESTERO, Fla., Sept. 25, 2024 — The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life.
AFib is a common heart condition that can lead to serious complications like stroke, underscoring the importance of addressing it for overall health improvement. Recognizing the significance of this issue, one Southwest Florida leader and AFib survivor is stepping up to join the Association’s impactful initiative. This individual’s participation will contribute to enhancing health outcomes and raising awareness in the region.
The American Heart Association, with its centennial celebration in 2024, emphasizes the critical impact of health inequities. Factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander CPR, limited access to healthy food, and life expectancy gaps can significantly impact health outcomes for up to 80% of individuals. By tackling these disparities, the Leaders of Impact™ program aims to pave the way for a healthier future for all.
Jessaca Rodriguez, the executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association, highlighted the organization’s commitment to creating a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke through community-driven initiatives like Leaders of Impact. This program empowers leaders and stakeholders in Southwest Florida to drive positive change in health outcomes and promote healthier lifestyles within their communities.
One notable nominee for the 2024 Leaders of Impact initiative is Thomas Pritchard, a physical education teacher at Canterbury School in Fort Myers. Pritchard’s dedication to health and wellness makes him a fitting candidate for this campaign. The initiative, which kicks off in over 150 cities nationwide on Oct. 17, will see hundreds of volunteer nominees engaging in a seven-week competition to enhance local community health through various tasks.
The program encourages participants to leverage their influence to educate communities about heart disease symptoms, raise funds for research, and advocate for overall well-being. PJ Bimonte, a service operations manager at Arthrex and volunteer board chair for the American Heart Association in Estero, expressed enthusiasm for the Leaders of Impact nominees joining the organization’s efforts to promote health and hope for all individuals, particularly in Southwest Florida.
The American Heart Association’s dedication to health equity and community well-being is unwavering, as evidenced by its focus on removing barriers to equitable health through collaborative efforts, research support, and advocacy for healthy policies. The Leaders of Impact nominees are at the forefront of driving positive change and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead healthier lives.
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support Thomas Pritchard’s nomination, visit the SWFL Leader of Impact Nominee page. The American Heart Association continues to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives, working towards ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through partnerships with various organizations and the dedication of millions of volunteers, the Association funds innovative research, advocates for public health, and shares lifesaving resources.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its Centennial year in 2024, it reflects on a century of impactful work and looks forward to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere in the years to come. Connect with the American Heart Association on heart.org, Facebook, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1 for more information on their initiatives and how you can get involved in promoting health equity and well-being in your community.
