The American Heart Association spearheads a week of appreciation with healthy meal deliveries to workers on the frontline of COVID-19 to Kaleida Health, Catholic Health System and Elderwood’s post-acute facility in Amherst in conjunction with community partners beginning April 27th

BUFFALO, NY April 27, 2020— The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is spearheading healthy meal deliveries in Buffalo, New York to healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19 at Kaleida Health, including the 24/7 laboratory processing test facility, Catholic Health System and Elderwood’s post-acute facility in Amherst by providing healthy meals for a week.  As a science-based healthcare organization, the American Heart Association and community partners want to ensure these heroes prioritize their health and have healthy food options as they take care of others.

Deliveries begin Monday, April 27th and continue throughout the week. ‘Heat and eat’ meals from Project Lean Nation were made possible by local community partners including Arc Building Partners, Elderwood, Mobile Primary Care, Rich Products, Sterling Heart Care, United Healthcare, The Thurman Thomas Family Foundation, Walsh Duffield, and Project Lean Nation.

“We are honored to partner with the American Heart Association with launching Healthy Meals for our Heroes on the front lines,” said Frank L. Ciminelli II, President & CEO, Arc Building Partners.

“As healthcare professionals continue to fight against the pandemic in the post-acute care setting, we’re proud to salute and support our colleagues working tirelessly in the emergency rooms and ICU’s in acute care hospitals who are not only caring for those stricken by COVID-19, but also continuing to care for those suffering from illness or injury with skill and compassion,” said Chuck Hayes, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Elderwood.

“As a family-owned food company, it’s our privilege to provide healthy meals for those who are already giving so much during COVID-19. We cannot thank them enough for their spirit and commitment during these uncertain times,” said Howard Rich, Vice President of Corporate Relations, Rich Products.

“Thurman and I are pleased to join efforts with the American Heart Association to provide delicious and healthy meals to the frontline health care workers here in our community,” said Patti and Thurman Thomas, a former American Football Player with the Buffalo Bills and President of the Thurman Thomas Foundation.

“UnitedHealthcare is proud to work with the American Heart Association to support frontline heroes by providing healthy meals to sustain them as they work hard to save lives during this global health emergency,” said Phillip Franz, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in New York.

“Walsh Duffield is proud to join American Heart Association to say thank you to the frontline healthcare workers. The healthcare teams are working tirelessly with passion, dedication and care to keep our community safe and well,” said Edward (Ted) Walsh, Jr., Chief Executive Officer for Walsh Duffield.

“We at Project Lean Nation are honored to join forces with the American Heart Association and their generous contributors to get healthy meals to these heroes,” Tim Dougherty, Owner Project Lean Nation.