Alabama Year-End Impact Report 2023

2023 ALABAMA

IMPACT REPORT heart.org/alabama

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04.

WORDS FROM THE HEART

08.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

23.

SECOND CENTURY SUPPORTERS

07.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

19.

OUR IMPACT

THE MISSION The American Heart Association is on a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

WORDS FROM THE

HEART

My grandmother and mother both suffered a stroke - 50 years apart, and with much different outcomes. My grandmother was left paralyzed on one side and had a severely impacted quality of life. My mother, however, recognized the stroke warning signs and quickly got help, resulting in no major long-term damage. That’s thanks to the work of the American Heart Association.

Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer in Alabama, accounting for more than 15,000 deaths every single year – more than all forms of cancer combined.

One person dies every 33 seconds from heart disease, and someone has a stroke every 40 seconds.

Together, we can change this narrative in our community, for our friends, neighbors, and family.

We've made strides through our collaborative efforts with health care professionals to integrate quality improvement measures, patient screenings and referrals into their clinical operations. We're actively working in our communities to address nutrition security to ensure our neighbors, no matter their zip code, have access to fresh, healthy options to provide to their family. We've successfully advocated for smoke-free ordinances alongside municipal and county leaders across the region. We're working with local public libraries to address hypertension – bringing much-needed resources to meet people where they are. We are elevating community awareness and education of risk factors, warning signs and local community resources for heart and brain health through events, marketing campaigns and coalition efforts.

At the heart of our mission is our commitment to groundbreaking, lifesaving research. Since the 1970s, we have invested nearly $80 million in research here in Alabama to address our state’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers - heart disease and stroke.

We've taken unprecedented steps to ensure that at least one person in every household knows how to perform Hands-Only CPR, and we continue to expand our partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide this lifesaving skill to as many of our community members as possible. Every step of the way YOU, our supporters and volunteers, have been right there with us. Believe me when I say that we could not do this without you.

Your local American Heart Association team is extraordinarily grateful for you and the impact we've made together as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives in Alabama and beyond. Although our work is far from done, we pause today to simply say thank you for bringing the American Heart Association's mission to life across Alabama through your enthusiastic support.

With heart,

Lizzi Willicott Executive Director - Alabama

4

BOARD REMARKS

On behalf of the Birmingham Board of Directors, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you for all you have done, and continue to do, to make our mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, a reality.

We are grateful to be surrounded by amazing donors, volunteers and our American Heart Association team who are more determined than ever to overcome barriers to health by addressing societal and systemic inequities in the communities we serve.

For nearly a century, the American Heart Association has championed health equity for all people in all communities.

By engaging with community partners who are on the front lines of addressing issues of social determinants of health, in addition to raising funds for research and resources, we can ensure that all Alabamians can live the life they deserve.

Our call for community action and service to others is deeply rooted in all of us and I encourage you to join us in 2024 and beyond as we continue to address health disparities and ensure equitable health in all communities for another 100 years.

You are making a difference in all our lives, and we greatly appreciate your dedication to the mission of the American Heart Association.

With gratitude, David Cox Board Chairman

Dr. James Davies Board President

5

EQUITABLE

HEALTH For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been striving to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life. But this is not the reality, as there are many people whose health suffers because of social factors beyond their control. In fact, people in some under-resourced ZIP codes have shorter life expectancies than their neighbors just a few miles away. We're working to change that.

Nutrition security, hypertension, maternal health, CPR and tobacco/vaping are our greatest challenges here in Alabama.

2024 Impact Goal Every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. As champions for health equity, by 2024, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.

We are working together to address ways to improve health and reduce socioeconomic barriers in our rural, urban and suburban communities. From supplying healthy, nutritious foods and medical resources to providing education and training, we are working to create long-term sustainable changes that we long to see in our community. More than ever, our work in the community is taking center stage.

Driving to achieve the 2024 Impact Goal, the American Heart Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care, and advocate for federal, state and local policies to drive healthier lifestyles.

6

COMMUNITY

IMPACT 70% of major cardiovascular events in the United States were attributable to low and moderate cardiovascular health.

2022 Statistical Update

7

The American Heart Association is committed to driving equitable health impact in Alabama through five key priority areas: reducing risks for women's heart health; addressing community needs; tobacco and vaping cessation; reducing the impact of heart disease, stroke and chronic conditions; and total health and well-being. Equity is always at the center of our work, and it will continue to guide all that we do.

WHAT WE'RE DOING IN THE GREATER ALABAMA

Libraries support lifelong learning and provide space for communities to come together. In 2023, we launched our first Libraries with Heart programs in Alabama: first in Andalusia, followed by the Birmingham Public Library and recently the Muscle Shoals Public Library. This is a free, communitybased, self-measured blood pressure and connection-to-care initiative designed to help residents learn how to accurately measure and control their blood pressure. To date, we’ve placed 41 blood pressure kits at 8 participating library branches, increasing access for more than 57,000 monthly library visitors served in these areas.

NUTRITION SECURITY

COMMUNITY

HYPERTENSION

Our Food Prescription Program – or Food RX – allows hypertensive patients at Alabama Regional Medical Services who are also considered nutrition insecure to receive a "prescription" for fresh fruits and vegetables at nearby Jones Valley Teaching Farm. In addition to the free produce, they receive healthy recipes, nutrition education and cooking tips. Since launching in 2022, we have also implemented a nutrition screening and SNAP benefits referral protocol, provided a freezer to increase cold storage, and hosted heart-healthy cooking demonstrations.

8

Seven in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of all people receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. The American Heart Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into a Nation of Lifesavers. Through the support of our sponsors and community partners, our goal is at least one person in every household trained in Hands-Only CPR. Launched in 2023, our initiative with the YMCA of Greater Birmingham has already trained nearly 2,000 community members, and we are excited to launch a similar program with the City of Birmingham soon!

HANDS-ONLY CPR

LIVE FIERCE AND MAKE AN

9

HANDS-ONLY CPR

Over the last year, our team in the Gulf Coast Region has worked alongside the Mobile County Health Department’s Office of Health Equity to provide Hands-Only CPR demonstrations to all MCHD support staff.

While all medical staff with the health department are required to maintain certification, there is no such requirement for those staff members serving in support roles in the central office. The result was a large gap in CPR familiarity for support staff members, many of whom routinely travel to external sites around the county. Over the course of several months, Association staff worked with the Office of Health Equity to schedule and provide demonstrations in Hands-Only and Infant CPR tactics for more than 125 staff members.

IMPACT

ADVOCACY The American Heart Association’s public policy and community advocacy program initiatives work alongside leaders at the local, state and federal levels to tackle policy efforts affecting our region. Our priorities include expanding access to care, enforcing strong tobacco retail licensing laws, and ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food.

In April, we hosted our annual Advocacy Day in Montgomery. This year, students from the University of Alabama joined us to meet with lawmakers to address the vaping epidemic.

During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully fought House Bill 319, which would have penalized kids for using tobacco products, instead of tobacco retailers.

Text CURE to 46839 to become a You’re the Cure advocate and make plans to join us for our 2024 Advocacy Day on April 10.

10

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Our Scholars Program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) helps minority students attain professional degrees in the biomedical and health sciences fields with the goal of increasing the number of Black students who apply and are accepted into graduate programs. Through the program, students learn about the health of their communities, participate in research projects and explore varied career paths alongside volunteer mentors. We are currently funding 13 HBCU Scholars here in Alabama.

2022-2023 SCHOLARS

Christen Lawrence (above) also served as an American Heart Association Intern of Impact in Summer 2023 and recently joined the Birmingham team as our new Community Impact Director!

11

Jasmine Armstead Stillman College

Ty’Janae Livers Miles College

Tia Daniels Tuskegee University

Kyla Smith Lawson State

Christin Keeton Tuskegee University

Da’Jon Stoudemire Stillman College

Jordan Kinnel Tuskegee University

Oumou Sylla Stillman College

Christen Lawrence Miles College

AriAnna Thomas Tuskegee University

Tamia Little Stillman College

Qiana Williams Miles College

KIDS HEART CHALLENGE Kids Heart Challenge actively engages local children in the mission of the American Heart Association, preparing them for success through physical and emotional well-being.

Kids Heart Challenge is held at hundreds of schools across Alabama, delivering heart-healthy physical activity through service learning for the American Heart Association. The events engage school students with cardio-pumping challenges like jump rope, basketball skills, and more.

Building on key learnings from 40 years in America’s schools, the Kids Heart Challenge is taking a bold new direction toward whole body wellness, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising funds for the American Heart Association to help kids facing heart health issues.

Top 10 Kids Heart Challenge Schools in Alabama 1.

Paine Elementary School, Trussville

2.

Edgewood Elementary School, Homewood

3.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Mobile

4.

Northport Elementary School, Northport

5.

Mill Creek Elementary School, Madison

6.

Richland Elementary School, Auburn

7.

Columbia Elementary School, Madison

8.

Hutchens Elementary School, Mobile

9.

South Shades Crest Elementary School, Hoover

10.

Hampton Cove Elementary School, Huntsville 12

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH In 2023, the American Heart Association focused on CPR for Heart Month.

Our goal was to challenge someone in every household to learn Hands-Only CPR to Be The Beat for their family, friends, and community while painting Alabama red.

#ALABAMAGOESRED

13

MAKING AN IMPACT Our annual events provide an opportunity to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, community leaders and supporters for the transformational work being done in our community.

Through Heart Walk, Hard Hats with Heart, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, our work focuses on equitable health, workplace wellness and women’s health.

14

HEART WALKS Birmingham: $680,391

Michael Bartell, Chair Encompass Health

Huntsville: $476,274

Jada Leo, Chair The Westmoreland Co.

Tuscaloosa: $287,754

Bryan Kindred, Chair DCH Health System

15

Gadsden: $86,114

Dr. Christie Shelton, Chair Jacksonville State University

Mobile: $161,154

Abe Harper, Chair Harper Technologies

Baldwin County: $123,893

Tommy Faust, Chair Bank Plus

16

SOCIALS Birmingham Heart Ball $610,867 Kelly & Randy Owen Honorees

Birmingham Go Red for Women $694,507 Lori Goodson, Chair Ernst & Young

Birmingham Hard Hats with Heart $260,000 Tom Boyle, Chair Encompass Health

Huntsville Heart Ball $467,990 Bill Bailey & Amy Bailey, Co-Chairs Radiance Technologies

17

SOCIALS Huntsville Hard Hats with Heart $55,000

Baldwin Art for Heart $311,000 Hunter & Ginger Harrelson, Co-Chairs Beachball Properties

Scan below to view photo galleries from past events!

18

OUR IMPACT In 2023, the impact of the American Heart Association across Alabama included working to address nutrition security, eliminating hypertension, addressing tobacco and vaping, and investing in various projects across the community. ​

234,900

Alabama residents impacted through community and advocacy efforts

Currently, the American Heart Association is funding 16 research awards in Alabama totaling $2.5 million.

39 hospitals in Alabama participate in one or more of our Get With The Guidelines® programs, demonstrating a commitment to quality healthcare for patients.

OVER 26,000 organic social media engagements

10,000

people trained in Hands-Only CPR

13

HBCU Scholars Program participants at HBCUs in Alabama.

4 partnering clinics are improving blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes for thousands of patients through our suite of outpatient programs.

79

quality media placements

SUCCESSFULLY ADVOCATED

to defeat House Bill 319, which would have punished Alabama’s youth for using tobacco products instead of holding tobacco retailers accountable. We are advocating for continued expansion of postpartum Medicaid services, which provide much-needed care and resources for pregnant women and new mothers across Alabama.

19

$

3.6

million raised to fund lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association in Alabama.

THANK YOU

TO OUR SPONSORS Generous donors like you are the reason we are able to move the mission of the American Heart Association forward!

Birmingham Live Fierce. Take Action.

Together to End Stroke

Diamond

Platinum

THANK YOU

TO OUR SPONSORS Huntsville Platform

Signature

Diamond

Tuscaloosa Platform

Diamond

Gadsden Diamond

The American Heart Association turns 100: A century of pioneers and passionate work When the American Heart Association was founded on June 10, 1924, heart disease was considered a death sentence. The best option for many people was bed rest.

There was no treatment, no hope. But the our founders felt that if we only understood heart disease, treatments would follow. And they were right.

Fast-forward to today and there are not only treatments, but proven ways to lower risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Through scientific research and the power of millions of volunteers and supporters, we have a deeper understanding of the many factors that contribute to these diseases: from traditional medical issues such as high blood pressure to societal problems, structural racism and discrimination.

And there’s no letting up in the next 100 years as we remain devoted to a future of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

Our future is about improving yours. #AHABoldHearts

As our 100th birthday draws near, the American Heart Association’s Second Century Campaign is off to a grand start, thanks to our generous donors and sponsors. Your support is the heartbeat of the American Heart Association and will help us achieve our anniversary celebration goal of raising $500 million nationally by June 2024.

SECOND CENTURY SUPPORTERS American Family Care Dr. James & Susan Davies Motion Industries Dr. Suzanne Oparil Protective Radiance Technologies Mark & Jennifer Tarr Torch Technologies

THANK YOU!

SAVE THESE 2024 DATES: National Wear Red Day – February 2

Birmingham

Huntsville

Heart Ball - February 10 Heart Walk - March 9 Go Red for Women - May 9 Hard Hats with Heart - October 23

Heart Ball - April 20 Heart Walk - May 11

Tuscaloosa

Gadsden

Heart Walk - March 2

Heart Walk - April 6

Mobile/Baldwin Co. Art for Heart Gala - April 13 Mobile Heart Walk - November 2 Baldwin Heart Walk - November 9

American Heart Association 100th Birthday & Alabama Serve Day June 10

Alabama Serve Day June 10, 2024 On the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday, we are urging all Alabamians to learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR. Whether you’re at home or at work, by yourself or with friends and family, take a few minutes to learn this lifesaving skill.

You just might save the life of someone you love.

Contact your local AHA Staff Partner for more information!

#AHABoldHearts

FY 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman

President

David Cox Southern Company

Dr. James Davies University of Alabama at Birmingham

Leadership Development Chairman

Chairman-Elect

Brian Edwards Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Ned Rand ProAssurance

Members Nanette Allen Alabama Regional Medical Services

Kevin Hanna Medical Properties Trust

Dr. Robert Dabal Children’s of Alabama

Dr. Ronald Lazar UAB

Dr. Tom Eagan Cardiovascular Associates

Chief Cory Moon City of Birmingham

Nancy Goedecke Mayer Electric (Retired)

Anntwinette Ragland Southern Company

Lori Goodson Ernst & Young

Dr. Regina Thompson Fairfield City Schools

STAFF PARTNERS BIRMINGHAM

Lizzi Willicott Executive Director

Kayla Owen Vice President, Development

Kim Baldwin Vice President, Health Strategies

Josh Till, APR Director, Communications & Marketing

Matthew Leo Hannah Grogan Christen Lawrence Mary Catherine Moffett Development Director, Director, Community Development Director, Development Director, Go Red for Women Heart Walk Heart Ball Impact

NORTH ALABAMA

Stephanie Cline Sr. Development Director, Huntsville Heart Walk

Michelle Lewzader Development Director, Huntsville Heart Ball

Whitni Molden Development Director, Tuscaloosa Heart Walk

STAFF PARTNERS MOBILE/BALDWIN CO.

ADVOCACY

Evan Duffy Bridgett Dunn Director, Community Development Director Impact

Jada Shaffer Government Relations Lead

YOUTH MARKET

Anna-Catherine Blevins Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Winston County

Bronwyn Cook Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston County

Brittany Parrish Jamie Pope Meghan Robinson Blount, Calhoun, Autauga, DeKalb, Lee, Baldwin, Choctaw, Cullman, Etowah, Montgomery, Shelby, Clarke, Conecuh, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Talladega, Walker Escambia, Mobile, Clair, Tuscaloosa County County Monroe, Washington County

LOGISTICS & DATA

Beth Box Birmingham

MaryClaire Wilson Huntsville and Tuscaloosa

Heather Woyak Birmingham, Mobile/Baldwin County