2019 PBN Business Excellence Awards
EXCELLENCE AT A NONPROFIT: American Heart Association of Southern New England
HEART DISEASE AND STROKE are among the nation’s leading killers, according to 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and two of the deadliest diseases impacting Rhode Island.
With its ambitious mission, “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” the American Heart Association of Southern New England strives to build a culture of health. The organization prides itself in addressing childhood obesity, implementing CPR training for high school students, spreading stroke awareness and reducing tobacco use.
“Our drive to keep you and your family well is endless. At home, at school and at work, we are paving a path to help save lives,” said Tara Comer, the organization’s executive director. “Being [in] such a small market can be both a challenge and a win. While there are fewer funding opportunities, which is challenging, being in a smaller market enables the impact of our efforts to spread at a faster rate.”
Under Comer’s leadership, the organization exceeded its six-figure fundraising goal last year and raised more than $1 million. Special events, contributions, CPR training fees and bequests are the organization’s significant revenue sources, both locally and nationally.
The American Heart Association of Southern New England accomplished several initiatives thanks to collaborations with medical professionals, government officials, local organizations and others.
Recently, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker acted to temporarily ban the sale of vaping products in that state, while Gov. Gina M. Raimondo temporarily banned flavored e-cigarettes. The Healthy School Marketing legislation, which Raimondo signed into law, restricts school-based food advertising to foods and beverages meeting governmental-nutrition guidelines.
Rhode Island voters approved two bonds, totaling $10 million, for additional bike paths and safe play/exercise spaces to be created.
‘Our drive to keep you and your family well is endless.’
TARA COMER, American Heart Association of Southern New England executive director
In working with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, American Heart Association last year launched the Go Red for Women Heart 2 Heart Initiative. The program helps educate women about heart disease – the nation’s leading cause of death among women – and gets local survivors to share their stories.
In 2018, 650 individuals attended the Go Red for Women, a luncheon held on Valentine’s Day that focused on ending heart disease and stroke among women. The luncheon also featured keynote presentations, free health screenings and tips for the attendees to keep their hearts free of disease.
The organization also worked with Lifespan Corp. to offer heart-health information and education to Lifespan employees and the general public. The American Heart Association and Bryant University’s Physician Assistant Program also educated students attending Blackstone Academy Charter School about choosing wisely regarding their health.
Seven research projects are currently underway in Rhode Island, with funding of more than $1 million, at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, according to the organization.
New this year, CycleNation invited teams of cyclists to participate in high-energy stationary cycling sessions and an after-party on World Strike Day, held Oct. 29. Recognizing the benefits of youth education, American Heart Association has sponsored other events, including Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Health. There, nearly 7,500 students at 142 Rhode Island schools raised $422,530 for research and education two years ago.
“The AHA … engages employers to focus on extending the health and well-being of their employees and their families,” said Renee Alosio, principal with Citrin Cooperman & Co. LLP and the local AHA organization’s board chair.
Celebrating those workplaces that actively build cultures of health, the American Heart Association recognized Brown University, CVS Health Corp. and Southcoast Health System with the Gold Level award, and Westerly with the Bronze Level award.
“Under Tara Comer’s exceptional leadership and team, we are leveraging creativity and collaboration. It is exciting … that companies throughout our community have the opportunity to see the change and impact they are making,” Alosio said.
