Nine nominees raising funds and awareness to break down health barriers and improve local communities through the Association’s nationwide Leaders of Impact™ campaign
KENTUCKY, October 17, 2024 – The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why nine Kentucky leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative during its centennial year, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in their communities by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness.
“The American Heart Association is continuing the pursuit of a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke through community-based efforts like Leaders of Impact,” said Karen Harbin, CEO of Commonwealth Credit Union and chairperson for the American Heart Association Board of Directors in Central and Eastern Kentucky. “This program allows Kentucky leaders and stakeholders to be a part of the solution to changing health outcomes and raise the profile of ways we can create healthier lives right here at home.”
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.
Central and Eastern Kentucky’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
- Joy Coles, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, MBA, CCRN, Joy of Nursing (Lexington)
- Samantha Couch, Big Ass Fans (Richmond)
- John Lee, MD, Baptist Health – Lexington (Lexington)
- Mark Mahan, Mahan Multimedia (Versailles)
- Cristy Sharp, LadyCat Packing & Organizing (Lexington)
- Krystal Silverthorn, Kentucky Laser Hair Removal (Frankfort)
- Wittney Youngblood, Pikeville Medical Center (Pikeville)
- Todd Ziegler, Republic Bank (Lexington)
Kentuckiana’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominee is:
On Dec. 4, the 2024 Leaders of Impact winners will be announced and will later be honored at their local Heart Ball. In addition to local community winners, one changemaker identified from across the country will also be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.
“We are thrilled that these leaders have joined us in our relentless efforts to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere, but especially throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana,” said John Walsh, CEO of UofL Health – Jewish Hospital and chairperson for the American Heart Association Board of Directors in Kentuckiana. “Local Leaders of Impact nominees play a pivotal role in driving change and ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live healthier lives.”
According to the American Heart Association, 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. [1] Leaders of Impact 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.
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees, visit
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Afton Fairchild; afton.fairchild@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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