Page 84 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

GIVING BACK
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is committed to creating a world of longer, healthier lives, and advancing equitable health in every community.
“Through collaboration with diverse organizations and the support of millions of volunteers, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide lifesaving resources,” said Christin LeBoeuf, Executive Director of the Coastal Mississippi chapter. “Social determinants of health have contributed to significant disparities in Mississippi. Our latest community assessment identified nutrition security, hypertension, and maternal health—particularly blood pressure control for new mothers—as priority areas.”
With local initiatives and strong stakeholder support, the chapter is focused on improving health outcomes for all Mississippians and ensuring access for those most in need.
with the Association’s 2028 Impact Goal: driving scientific breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in policy and care to build healthier communities.
“Each February during American Heart Month, the nation unites to ignite a wave of red from coast to coast,” LeBoeuf added. “From landmarks to news anchors to neighborhoods and online communities, this annual movement brings millions together to fight heart disease and stroke. We encourage everyone to wear red and raise awareness about cardiovascular
Two major events in South Mississippi—the Jackson County Heart Walk, chaired by Dr. Randy Roth, Chief Medical Officer, Singing River Health System, on May 2, 2026, and the Gulf Coast Heart Walk, chaired by Robert Ridgeway, Vice President, Business Development, Yates Construction, on September 26, 2026—raise critical funds for research, advocacy, CPR training, and programs that promote better health. These efforts align
health.”
National Wear Red Day is February 6, 2026.
American Heart Association Mississippi Gulf Coast 228.261.7018 www.heart.org/en/affiliates/mississippi
84 | December 2025
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