The American Heart Association, Hudson Valley Celebrates American Heart Month
Local Non-Profit Brings Awareness About Heart Health
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Heart disease and stroke are the leading two causes of death in the world, leaving millions of families heartbroken. As a result of this global phenomenon, the American Heart Association was founded to fund innovative research and provide awareness about heart health.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. They work with millions of volunteers throughout the country to host events and spread awareness about heart health. Their busiest time of the year is February, known was “American Heart Month.”
According to Carolyn Torella, Regional Communications Director of the Hudson Valley for the AHA, “American Heart Month” was created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963 to raise awareness about prevention for the number one killer. Throughout February, the AHA utilizes media platforms to deliver prevention information, identify risk factors, and raise awareness about the symptoms of heart disease.
“American Heart Month” is a national phenomenon, with every state and county participating in some shape or form. In the Hudson Valley, the AHA hosts events and fundraisers throughout the month to increase community involvement.
“‘Wear Red Day,’ the first Friday of every month, is our biggest fundraiser. We recruit companies, organizations, and individuals to participate by asking co-workers to wear red and donate $5 to the AHA,” says Danielle Schuka, Regional Director for Dutchess and Ulster county. Schuka’s primary role is to fundraise and infuse the mission of the AHA into the community through workplace wellness.
AHA, Hudson Valley spends its time throughout February working with local businesses and organizations to spread awareness about heart health, including workplace CPR demonstrations. Schuka also attends health and wellness fairs, women’s events, and speaking engagements throughout February to spread information about heart health.
Although February is the biggest month for the AHA, the advocacy doesn’t stop there. “In April, we have our ‘Move More’ events, encouraging companies to get outside and move around during the work day. During April, the Dutchess/Ulster county heart walk is one of the biggest fundraisers in the area, recognizing survivors of heart disease,” says Torella, when asked how the AHA continues their efforts year-round.
Schuka elaborated on this, stating that every couple of months, the AHA, Hudson Valley takes advantage of the opportunities to spread awareness about heart health. “May is ‘Stroke Month,’ September is ‘Childhood Obesity Month,’ and in November we have a ‘Go Red for Women’ luncheon to teach women how to learn their signs and symptoms of heart disease and share prevention tips.”
Although the American Heart Association is one of the largest nonprofits in the country, Schuka stressed their dedication to the local community and impacting Hudson Valley residents. “Our biggest struggle is that we are such a national, large organization and when people think about us, there is a perception that it’s this giant company and that’s not the case.”
Schuka and Torella emphasized the importance of working with local companies and organizations to encourage workplace health, and celebrate local survivors. The AHA Hudson Valley Team holds multiple events throughout the year within the local community to break down the image of a large organization, and show the community that the AHA values every individual community and is committed to the fight for heart health.
