Each year nursing staff, clinicians, academics, and scientists gather for the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater New Haven Heart Walk. These volunteers walk to support research for new treatments and to honor friends and loved ones. For Keith Churchwell, MD, the Heart Walk is about building a path for healthier lives.
Churchwell participated in his first Heart Walk almost two decades ago in Nashville, TN, after joining Vanderbilt’s faculty in 1999. As the Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Center, Churchwell also served on the board of the Greater Nashville Heart Walk.
Now approaching his second-year on the American Heart Association national board, Churchwell says the AHA has been a vital part of his career.
From Vanderbilt to Yale
At Vanderbilt, Churchwell was as a full-time clinician until his administrative responsibilities began to evolve. Throughout this process he learned that, “What we do is defined not only by our work but also what we contribute.”
The dual-mission of the AHA appealed to him.
In their 100-year history, the AHA has contributed over $41 billion for scientific research to eliminate cardiovascular disease. That mission includes clinical care and advocacy to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in young children.
What we do is defined not only by our work but also what we contribute.
Keith Churchwell, MD
The AHA was one of the first supporters of the Affordable Care Act. Today the institution is focused on legislation to raise the minimum legal sale age of tobacco products to twenty-one. The sugary drink tax is another example. Soda has been linked with obesity and the exacerbation of diabetes. It’s vital that we provide legislators with a better understanding of the risk of cardiovascular disease and articulate how we can improve the lives of patients.
For 20 years the AHA has been a vehicle for Churchwell to be a positive voice for his patients. In June, Churchwell will take on a new opportunity as the incoming chair of the Advocacy Coordinating Committee. His advocacy role will include updating the 2008 Statement of Principals for Health Care Reform and encouraging more schools to implement CPR training.
Whether its advocacy or volunteer work, getting involved in the local community not only allows us to touch the lives of patients in a unique way, Churchwell says, but also informs the work we do as cardiologists. We can all contribute. “We all can play an important role.”
How you can become involved
- Register. Attend the Greater New Haven Heart Walk on May 4. Walking as a community deomstrates that we support this mission to build healthier lives.
- Make a donation. We hope to raise $315,000 this year. You can either donate to a team or give directly to the 2019 Greater New Haven Heart Walk.
Learn how you can participate in the 2019 Greater New Haven Heart Walk or donate to the HVC Executive Heart Challenge.