American Heart Association® Chicago’s inaugural Teens of Impact™ nominees champion heart health through fundraising and philanthropy

Chicago, IL, February 14, 2024 – Four Chicago teenagers are joining the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke through the first-ever Chicago Teens of Impact Initiative. This year’s nominees will work from February 2nd to April 4th to raise money to support research and education to combat the number one killer of Americans.

“Through events such as STEM Goes Red, the Kids Heart Challenge, and a variety of community impact initiatives, we strongly emphasize the importance of promoting health equity across generations.” said Chicago Executive Director Brittany Walsh. With their extensive leadership skills, this group of young people will serve our mission well as we invest in the next generation of health equity change agents. ”

A national initiative, Teens of Impact launched in more than 30 cities across the country on February 2nd, National Wear Red Day. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of candidates across the country embarked on his nine-week journey to help transform the health of others. Through education and fundraising. Each week, candidates will participate in activities aimed at creating a culture of wellness and health equity. Activities include educational events, CPR learning and dissemination, active activities, and recruiting friends and family to participate in research. Candidates also raise critical funds for the mission of the Chicago American Heart Association.

Chicago’s 2024 Teen of Impact nominees are:

• Evan Pope & Vivian Pope – Oak Park River Forest High School
• Jai Manadan – Whitney Young High School
• Shaila Sood – John Hershey High School

On April 4, one candidate will be named the Chicago 2024 Teen of Impact Winner. In addition to the local market winner, one teen from around the country will be selected as the National Teen of Impact Winner.

“You’re never too young to start mobilizing your networks and communities to improve health. Our Centennial Theme is ‘Bold Hearts’ and Chicago’s first Teen of Impact nominee I can’t think of a bolder action than stepping forward to raise awareness in our community by joining a community class,” said Director Samantha Netolucci. Developed at the American Heart Association in Chicago.

Although the majority of cardiac events are preventable, cardiovascular disease continues to claim nearly one in three lives. In Illinois, obesity and smoking are among the risk factors that contribute to heart disease in young adults and teens. Heart disease is also the number one killer of adults in Illinois.[1]

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Chicago through Teen of Impact, visit http://www2.heart.org/ChicagoTOI.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Media inquiries:
Jorie Goins: Jorie.Goins@heart.org
General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org