In 1949, Atlanta was undergoing significant changes, reshaping one of America’s most dynamic cities. The city was transitioning from a streetcar-centered layout to an automobile-focused infrastructure, with cars quickly becoming the primary mode of transportation. At the same time, Atlanta’s health landscape was also evolving, marked by the founding of the Georgia chapter of the American Heart Association.
For 75 years, the American Heart Association in Georgia has empowered individuals to take charge of their health, improved access to lifesaving treatments, and invested in cutting-edge research that has led to groundbreaking medical advancements. And because of this, countless lives have been saved – lives like Scott Webb.
After getting involved with the American Heart Association through his company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Scott Webb became a volunteer for the Association and now currently serves as the board chairman in metro Atlanta. It was then he had a life-changing event that made his connection to the Association even more personal.
“I was running on the treadmill and next thing I know, I was lying on the ground,” said Webb. “It turns out I had 99% blockage to my heart and had to undergo surgery to get a stent placed. As a heart survivor and as board chairman, I have witnessed firsthand, the incredible work of the Association that continues to save lives – work that, in many ways, gave me a second chance at life.”
Through scientific research, advocacy and addressing community needs, the American Heart Association in Georgia remains an integral part in transforming the health of our community. With equity at the center of the work of the organization, the Association is focused on ensuring that all Georgians and Atlantans have an opportunity to live a just, healthy life.
The Association’s focus on health equity as an organization is simple; lives are at stake. People suffer when they lack access to quality care, nutritious food and other basic health needs. Without opportunities to enjoy full, healthy lives, people often get sicker and die younger. That is why the Association is meeting people where they are and working closely with other community organizations to bring the mission to life.
“I have had the privilege of seeing the profound impact we have had in this community—seeing families come together at Heart Walks, survivors sharing their stories, and innovations that have changed lives,” said Carla Smith, region vice president and executive director of the Metro Atlanta American Heart Association. “Initiatives like our Libraries with Heart program in Fulton County to address high blood pressure and our Nation of Lifesavers CPR awareness and education campaign are just a few ways in which we continue to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
But the work of the Association cannot be done alone. It’s the board members, past and present, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment transcends the work of the Association. It’s the health care professionals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by heart disease and stroke; the donors who help fund research and community initiatives; and the survivors and their families whose courage and resilience remind us all why the Association’s work matters.
We all hope for a world of longer, healthier lives. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate that future, each of us needs to be part of the progress. Since the AHA’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. And yet, there are still so many lives to be saved. By driving breakthroughs in science, policy and care, together, we can continue to advance health and transform lives every day.
Join our movement to change the future of health and be the progress that ensures longer, healthier lives for all.
To learn more, visit heart.org/georgia.
