[ad_1]
(NewMediaWire) – September 23, 2022 – DALLAS — Eight volunteer thought leaders, philanthropists and executives will work to address pressing issues related to the social determinants of health on behalf of the American Heart Association. These individuals will come together as part of the Association’s National Council for Leaders for a Resilient Generation and will seek to champion sustainable solutions to ensure that children everywhere can live long, healthy lives regardless of where they grow up. The council is charged with transformational impact that raises funds to improve youth health in their local communities.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, assembled the council to address community solutions to combat key barriers of youth health including mental well-being, nutrition insecurity, increasing physical activity and ending tobacco and vaping. Council members will serve a three-year term, participate in stakeholder meetings, and provide corporate support to bring the work to life.
“Each of these leaders represents the spirit of the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “Their willingness to volunteer their time and talents to support our youth and equitable health is vital as we work to ensure children everywhere, no matter their race, ethnicity or zip code, have the opportunity to be healthy.”
The council will complement the work of other American Heart Association youth initiatives such as the in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, and the American Heart Association Superintendent Council. Each of these areas of work bring volunteers with different backgrounds and perspectives to singularly focus on improving the health and well-being within their local communities of youth and are committed to efforts that will help children achieve healthier, happier and longer lives.
2022 National Council for Leaders for a Resilient Generation members include:
- Bobbe Bridge, philanthropist in Seattle, Washington
- Ramon Castillo of Costco in Seattle, Washington
- William Clayton of Reliant energy in Houston, Texas
- Lorraine Dodero of The Sam J. Frankino Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio
- Matt Flesock of UCLA Health in Los Angeles, California
- Justin Henderson of Glendale Adventist in Los Angeles, California
- Tara Myers of Earl Swensson Associates in Nashville, Tennessee
- Paul Watkins of Dignity Health Northridge in Los Angeles, California
The work of the American Heart Association to save and improve every child’s life is rooted in the organizational vision that all children, regardless of gender, race, location, or economic status, should be able grow to their full potential. Efforts are being made around the country, including through this council, to improve the places where kids live, learn and play, because only about half of U.S. children — 54% — meet 3 or 4 of the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health. And less than 1% meet all 8 criteria.
Funds raised by the Leaders for a Resilient Generation participants will support the Association’s transformational work to improve the health of families across America. To learn more about other American Heart Association youth-based programs, or to donate, visit heart.org/schools.
Additional resources:
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
###
For Media Inquiries:
Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446, linzy.cotaya@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[ad_2]
