A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRS 
"Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke” is the very ambitious and carefully considered mission statement of the American Heart Association.  The AHA is taking great strides to move from focused treatment strategies for men, women and children who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and stroke, with their associated death and disability, to a more inclusive and far-reaching strategy to actually prevent these diseases from occurring.  The “Learn and Live” tag line of the AHA speaks to the need to convey important health messages to all, young and old.  While death and risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke have been reduced through AHA-sponsored research, education and patient-management programs, there are emerging threats of childhood obesity, physical inactivity, and both undiagnosed and undertreated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and stroke that may lead to a shorter life-span for the next generation at risk, our children and grandchildren.

Our 2010 Heart Ball will be a celebration of the support that our community has provided to fuel the American Heart Association’s research and educational programs aimed at achieving the mission-related goals.  We will celebrate the accomplishments of Cincinnati’s own leaders in cardiovascular disease and stroke research and healthcare, the 20 past Kaplan Awardees.  We and the Young Professionals group will celebrate the next generation of AHA support, as they become more aware of the importance of healthier life-styles.  We will celebrate the support of Cincinnati’s philanthropic leaders, including this year’s recipient of the Heart of the City award, Claire Phillips.

By joining with us on Saturday, February 6^th, for the 2010 Heart Ball, you can celebrate what the AHA has accomplished and support the work yet to be done.  You can make an impact on your health and the health of your family and friends.

- Debra and Loren Hiratzka

A Message from Our CEO

Together we are changing the way the world thinks about health and life. We’re transforming attitudes and behaviors, so people everywhere can experience the best possible health–today and for the rest of their lives … from generation to generation. Through research, education and advocacy, we are making an extraordinary impact … changing and saving lives — reducing disease, disability and death. The work that we’re doing … that all of YOU are doing … is leading to real, lasting change.