Where someone lives should not dictate how long they live. Nine Atlanta leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign to combat health inequities within the community. Studies show a 11-year life expectancy gap in zip codes across the metro area and according to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, this can be caused by social determinants of health and other barriers to achieving health equity for all communities -- factors that include structural racism and access to quality healthcare.  

The Leaders of Impact initiative engages community leaders across 150 cities to take part in a seven-week challenge to improve health by raising awareness and funds to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.      

Atlanta nominees were selected to take part in Leaders of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference.  This year’s nominees are: 

Dr. Courtney Whittle, Pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente 

Dr. Gagandeep (Angela) Joshi, Cardiologist, Wellstar Health System

Dr. Patricia Marsh, CEO and Cofounder, Ask Me, Your MD

Elizabeth Campbell, Founder and CEO, Evolve Health, LLC.

Jason Russell, CEO, Black Men Run

Hollis Hart, CEO, Stego Inc. 

Darius Davis, Greenberg Traurig 

Katelyn Armstrong, Locum Tenens 

Molly Strickland, JB Hunt

Beginning on World Heart Day, September 29, nominees will work to raise funds while engaging their networks in opportunities including, participating in The Heart of Atlanta Serve Day – a service project within the community, and conducting a mental well-being roundtable discussion to directly impact the health of Atlanta. Funds raised will support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to equitable health care access and quality.