The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why five Atlanta leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in their community by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness. According to the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, health inequities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can impact 80% of health outcomes. 

"The Leaders of Impact campaign empowers local leaders to make a real difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke. By coming together, we can raise awareness, drive change, and improve health outcomes in our communities,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director of the Metro Atlanta American Heart Association. “This initiative is about more than just leadership—it's about creating a lasting impact that leads to healthier, longer lives for everyone."

Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launches in more than 150 cities across the country on Oct. 17. At the beginning of the campaign, hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide will take part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program leveraging their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.