Greetings,

We at the American Heart Association are heartbroken by the events occurring across our country. We are listening, and we are redoubling our commitment to overcoming health disparities and societal inequities. Communities are counting on us, and we will support their needs during both this unprecedented time, and the long term. Please read the Association’s recent statement—as well as a joint statement from the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

I also want to share that June 1st is the kickoff of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, when we are reminded how important it is to know Hands-Only CPR. The odds of cardiac arrests in a home setting are likely to increase as people continue to spend more time at their residences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re offering a free Hands-Only CPR demo via Facebook Live this week to help more people learn this lifesaving skill. Likewise, we’re working hard to be sure we dispel fear about activating emergency medical care amid COVID-19. We want everyone to know that calling 9-1-1 and going to the hospital is safe, and that seeking immediate treatment for a heart attack or stroke continues to afford the best chances of survival.

The lifesaving difference we make as the American Heart Association is a direct result of your generosity of time, talent, and resources. You are the driving force behind keeping more hearts beating and more brains healthy.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Nicole Aiello Sapio, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President

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Massachusetts Takes Bold Steps Against Deadly Tobacco Addiction

On June 1, Massachusetts took a bold step in protecting future generations from a lifetime of deadly tobacco addiction, when it became the first state in the nation to remove harmful menthol, mint and wintergreen tobacco products from store shelves. A 75% excise tax on e-cigarettes will also took effect on June 1. Learn more…

COVID-19: The Impact of Communities of Color Webinar Reaches Over 1,035 Participants, Features Volunteers  

On May 15, the Eastern States launched the first webinar of a series designed to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. The webinar was offered to health equity leaders nationwide and was attended by over 1,035 participants. The next webinar in the series: Impacto Devastador: COVID-19 and Latino Communities will take place on Wednesday, June 10th, from 3-4 p.m. ET. Learn more…

American Heart Association COVID-19 Live Chat & Resource Site Available  

If you need current, science-based information about the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re here available to help via live chat, or call our Customer Service team at 1-800-242-8721. Likewise, you can learn how we are making a difference, find helpful resources, information for heart patients, and wellness tips for coping at our resource site. Learn more…

Do you have a compelling mission story to share? Click here to submit a brief overview.

Susan Croushore

As featured in Nancy’s News from the Heart, longtime American Heart Association volunteer and retired CEO of the Mercy Health System of Southeast Pennsylvania, Susan Croushore, helped set up and operationalize a COVID-19 field hospital at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Learn more…