2020 Goals
Our impact goal is to, by the year 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20% by:
- Funding research with three grants totaling more than $1.1 million at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough, The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, and University of Maine-Orono.
- Inspiring women to take charge of their heart health through the Maine Goes Red statewide awareness campaign, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
- Improving employee health through workplace wellness programs and free Hands-Only CPR demonstrations.
- Teaming up with 165 local schools to combat childhood obesity though our Kids Heart Challenge program.
- Providing science-based treatment guidelines to healthcare professionals to help them provide quality care to their patients with our Get With The Guidelines program.
- Educating Mainers about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
Central Maine Heart Walk, 4/25/20 – Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston
Southern Maine Heart Walk, 5/17/20 – AAA Parking Lot/Back Cove, Portland
- Fundraise as an individual or team
- Join the planning committee
- Provide a corporate sponsorship
- Help on event day to set up kick-off area, greet participants, cheer on walkers, assist with children’s activities, provide Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, serve food, and help with clean up.
Little Heart Hero Day, 11/3/19 – Kennebec Valley YMCA, Augusta
- Provide a corporate sponsorship
- Secure donations of refreshments and craft supplies
- Help with kid-friendly activities on the event day
Hearts on Ice, 1/16/20 – Aura, Portland
Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon, 3/19/20 – Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland
Purse-Onality, 6/17/20 – The Nonanatum Resort, Kennebunkport
- Provide a corporate sponsorship
- Join a planning committee
- Donate an auction item
Giving Opportunities
- Sponsor a Heart Walk or a Go Red for Women® event, donate an auction item, or participate on an event planning committee.
- Join the “Circle of Red” or “Men Go Red” group by making a $1,000 contribution to help combat cardiovascular disease.
- Give your employees time to participate in a free, on-site Hands-Only CPR demonstration.
- Conduct a simple, one-day fundraising event on National Wear Red Day on February 7, 2020. It’s a great way to raise awareness of heart disease in women while raising funds for research and education. The local Association office will provide promotional materials and red dress pins. FMI: Pauline.Cormier@heart.org
Volunteer Opportunities
- Become a “You’re the Cure” Advocate to help educate our legislators on our public policy efforts regarding obesity prevention, heart disease and stroke prevention funding, tobacco control, and healthcare reform initiatives. FMI: www.yourethecure.org
- Become an Association spokesperson. Heart disease and stroke survivors are always welcome to share their personal stories to help educate others about the warning signs and symptoms. Health professionals can give a clinical perspective on the Association’s public health initiatives, such as nutrition, fitness, cholesterol and blood pressure management, smoking cessation, and other ways to lower cardiovascular disease risk. Media training is provided.
- Join our Maine Board of Directors
- Lead a Heart Walk team at your company or with family and friends.
- Participate in one of our event planning committees and gather employees to help with logistics at our events.
Leadership
Board Members
Erin Austin: Regional Market Director-Maine, Neighborly
Kristine Chaisson: Director of Perioperative & Invasive Cardiovascular Services, Central Maine HealthCare
Andrew Cook: Vice President, Business Banking, People’s United Bank
Catherine Desrochers: Large Group Account Manager, Acadia Benefits
Nicole Hardy: Manager/Buyer, Aristelle
Liz McGlinn: Lead Internal Auditor, LL Bean
Sarah Porter: Quality Data Coordinator, Neurosurgery & Spine, Maine Medical Partners
Melanie Tinto: Chief Human Resources Officer, WEX
Richard Veilleux: Program Manager, MaineHealth
Linda Whitten: Manager of Human Resources, AAA Northern New England
Dr. Brandei Wingard: Cath Lab Director, Southern Maine Health Care Cardiology
Representing the Eastern States Board
Dave Abel: President & General Manager, Channel 8 WMTW & WPXT-Maine’s CW, Portland
Geoff Bruno: Superintendent of Schools, Falmouth