Happy American Heart Month! We celebrate heart health awareness month in February. This month is even more special since it's the American Heart Association's (AHA) centennial anniversary! Founded in 1924 by six pioneering cardiologists, the AHA's mission has been to combat heart disease through groundbreaking scientific research and to provide top-notch treatment and prevention strategies. These dedicated physicians convened in Chicago to shine a light on the fight against heart disease and to pursue a cure.
They held their first scientific meeting the following year, except during World War II, and it's been an annual event since then. This gathering has evolved into the preeminent cardiovascular conference in the United States, attracting world-renowned cardiologists from across the globe.
During 1948, the AHA underwent a significant transformation from a professional, scientific society into a national volunteer health organization, and it awarded its first research grant to a Nobel Prize laureate, Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi. The AHA has gone on to fund 14 Nobel Prize winners and grown in size to 35 million volunteers and supporters.
The importance of heart health significantly increased when Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on January 2, 2023, after being hit in the chest by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The sudden hit by Higgin's helmet put Hamlin into cardiac arrest (commotio cordis). The quick action taken by the medical team and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved Hamlin's life. Since the incident, Hamlin has teamed up with the AHA with his Chasing M's Foundation to promote CPR and AED education and training. The program is called a Nation of Lifesavers.
If you're unsure about the CPR procedure or how to use an AED, Elk Environmental Services, one of our affiliates, can help! Elk offers comprehensive First Aid/CPR training monthly. Learn the essential CPR basics, including chest compressions and adult CPR, to earn your CPR certification. Schedule your training today by reaching out to Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron and master the life-saving skills of CPR resuscitation.