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Arkansas

A relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
Arkansas

She had a baby, then she had a heart attack

Stephanie Parsley and her husband were elated when they welcomed their third child a year ago. The Springdale couple were less prepared when Stephanie had the first of what would be two heart attacks in the weeks after giving birth. As with many women, Stephanie mistook the warning signs as something else.

Know Your Numbers

Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure measurement is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment of individuals with high blood pressure. That’s why we are working closely with community gathering spaces such as barber shops, thrift stores and fitness centers to empower Arkansans to measure and track their blood pressure and take steps to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Arkansas anchor with connection to heart disease to host 'House Calls'

Chelsea Helms

News anchor Chelsea Helms of KNWA in Arkansas has been chosen to host the American Heart Association's "House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk" series. With a personal connection to heart disease, Chelsea is dedicated to providing support and up-to-date information to heart and stroke patients.

Give Thanks Today with 2x Impact!

Thanks to medical breakthroughs funded by the American Heart Association – and donors like you – many families have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

Many more families still need your help – heart disease is our nation’s leading cause of death. Give today and your donation will be DOUBLED to support pioneering research, education and prevention programs and more.

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In Your Community

In an effort to enhance health outcomes and promote nutrition security in Arkansas, a groundbreaking collaboration known as Lifestyle RX has been established. This innovative initiative involves three Community Clinic school-based health sites, working together to address the pressing issue of inadequate nutrition.

Under Lifestyle RX, healthcare providers play a pivotal role by prescribing personalized diet and exercise recommendations to individuals. The primary objective is to increase awareness of the significance of consuming healthy foods and to facilitate improved access to such nourishing options. This is achieved through various means, including SNAP enrollment assistance and referrals to local resources that provide healthy food alternatives.

The program aims to empower individuals with knowledge about healthy eating habits while ensuring they have the means to access nutritious foods. By combining medical expertise, education, and community resources, Lifestyle RX aspires to make a tangible impact on the overall well-being and nutritional security of its participants.
This collaborative effort exemplifies the dedication of healthcare professionals, community organizations, and local resources in addressing the vital issue of nutrition.

Through Lifestyle RX, the journey towards improved health outcomes and increased access to healthy foods takes a significant stride forward.

Community

In a significant development, the Senate Education Committee has passed Senate Bill 477, bringing Arkansas one step closer to addressing food insecurity among students. The bill, if enacted, will have a profound impact on ensuring that more students in the state do not go hungry during the school day. Specifically, SB 477 aims to provide free meals to students who currently qualify for reduced lunches.

While the bill still awaits the Senate floor vote and House approval, the successful passage in the Senate Education Committee has sparked a moment of celebration. This legislative victory highlights the commitment to supporting students' well-being and ensuring they have access to nourishing meals.

The next steps involve navigating the Senate floor vote and House proceedings. The outcome of these deliberations will determine the fate of SB 477 and its potential to positively impact the lives of countless Arkansas students.

Stay tuned for further updates on this critical bill as it progresses through the legislative process, bringing hope and relief to students facing food insecurity in Arkansas.

Advocacy

Jamie Jones
Chairperson
Partner
Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP

Scot Davis
Immediate Past Chairperson

CEO
iNovations

Anthony M. Fletcher, M.D., FAHA
President

Cardiologist
Cardiology & Medicine Clinic

Thomas Conley, M.D.
Immediate Past President
Cardiologist
Arkansas Cardiology/Baptist Health

Srikanth Vallurupalli, M.D.
President Elect

Cardiologist
UAMS/CAVHS

Baxter D. Drennon
Partner
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Brandy Harp
Principle Broker
Jon Underhill Real Estate

Tanya James
Senior VP, Program Director of Talent Management
Arvest Bank

Mark T. Jansen, M.D.
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield

Morris E. Kelley, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist
CHI St. Vincent

Lawrence Montgomery
Chief Marketing Officer
Baptist Health

Jeremy Owoh, Ed.D
Superintendent
Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

John P. Ryan
President and CEO
Arkansas Health and Wellness

Adam Wells
President
Lumber 1 Home Center


Ryland Allen
Walmart
VP, Merchandising

Joshua Baldobinos
Northwest Health
ACEO

Maya Bowie
Walmart
VP, Marketing

Lisa Christianson
PepsiCo
SVP, Category Insights, Strategy, & Advanced Analytics

Corey Bender
Walmart
SVP, Lifestyles Merchandising

Dr. Jared Cleveland
Springdale Schools
Superintendent

Charlie Cole, MD
Washington Regional
Cardiovascular Surgery

Sheila Gamble
Revlon
VP, Sales

Sherene Jagla
Impossible Foods
Chief Demand Officer

Richard Kyle, MD
VA Hospital
Physician

Board Chair
Kyle Lanham

Walmart
Merchandising Director

Jon Loewe
3M
VP, Key Accounts

Kevin Macero
Haleon
VP, Sales

Stephanie Martinez
Dani Media
Founder/President

Todd Matherly
Market Performance Group
EVP

Will McDonald
Walmart, VP DMM
Beverages

Tom McDonald
Bayer
VP Team Leader

Ed Morgan
Emerson Group
President, Partner

Dawn Norvell
NielsenIQ (formerly)

Misty Quaid
The Emerson Group
Sales Lead

Board President
Julie Rappe’

Mercy Hospital NWA
VP, Patient Care Services

Scott Salmon
Simmons Pet Food
President

Kristy Sapp
Kiss Products Inc
Director of Sales

Vinima Shekhar
Walmart
VP, Merchandising

Craig Shy
Arvest Bank
President, Fayetteville


Contact Us

Little Rock

909 W. 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72203

Phone: (501) 375-9148

Northwest Arkansas

108 E Sunbridge Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Phone: (479) 439-6800

Heart and Stroke News

Find science-based stories about heart and brain health and inspiring survivor profiles from American Heart Association News.