American Heart Association logoAmerican Heart Association

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.

Join 100 Ways In 100 Days

To celebrate our 100-year anniversary, we have a gift for you! Join our FREE, exclusive program to get an email each week for the next 100 days providing you with valuable health tips on eating better, moving more, and improving overall wellbeing.

Make 2024 your best year yet! Join now.

Woman celebrating while outside walking

Events in Your Area

Central Arkansas Heart Ball

Location: Statehouse Convention Center

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 06:00 PM

Register

Central Arkansas Heart Walk

Location: North Shores River Walk, North Little Rock

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 08:30 AM

Register

Central Arkansas Go Red for Women

Location: Benton Event Center

Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM

Register

NWA Go Red for Women

Location: Rogers Convention Center

Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - 09:30 AM

Register

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

Darin Hoover
President
McGhee Insurance Agency

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


Lisa Christianson
Unilever
Head of US Category Management

Debbie Alsup
Market Performance Group
President of Sales & Client Development Walmart

Corey Sender
Walmart/Sam's Club
Merchandising Vice President, Household Essentials

Dr. Jared Cleveland
Springdale Schools
Superintendent

Charlie Cole, MD
Washington Regional
Cardiovascular Surgery

Jim Daniels
Reckitt
Global VP of Sales, Walmart Inc.

Chuck Fehlig
Fehlig and Associates
Partner

Sheila Gamble
Sanofi
VP Sales/Team lead

Sherene Jagla
Impossible
Senior Vice President, General Manager

Richard Kyle, MD
VA Hospital
Physician

Kevin Macero
GSK Consumer Health
VP of Sales

Tom McDonald
Bayer
Vice President of Sales

Ed Morgan
Emerson Group
President, Partner

Dawn Norvell
Nielsen IQ

Madison Radler
Northwest Health
Director of Professional Outreach

Julie Rappe’
Mercy-NWA
Chair of Nursing· ICU, PCU, Cardiac, Telemetry, & Vascular Access

Kristy Sapp
KISS


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

Portrait of Asian woman using digital tablet computer at home outdoors

Heart and Stroke News

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