American Heart Association
Building a culture of health in Mobile
Mobile is a unique land of contradictions. On one hand, we’re a gateway to progress, a hub of transportation, and a rising industrial hotbed. On the other, we’re a community still struggling with the ghosts of yesteryear. We work hard. We play hard. And both take a toll on our hearts. We love our diverse cuisine, but Alabama ranks at the bottom nationally in rates of obesity (as well as physical activity and tobacco use). Life is made to be enjoyed, but life is more enjoyable when in good health. We refuse to give up our unique culture, but we’re making gains as a healthier community. Walking trails and bike paths are emerging. There are healthier options in local restaurants. Tobacco use is declining, and locals are taking control of their health. Mobile has always been an innovator in the field of healthcare. Important research is being conducted that could change the way we treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke here in Mobile and beyond. Like the trademark azaleas that cover the Gulf Coast in spring, hope for a heart-healthy future is in full bloom.
Our Community
Reconstructed Aorta
At only seven days old, Otto underwent open heart surgery at which time doctors were able to save his left heart, reconstruct his aorta, and give him a septum separating his atriums. Additionally, his mitral valve and aortic opening were augmented. Otto responded extremely well to his life-saving surgery and miraculously went home at 19 days old with nothing but an NG-tube to help ensure proper nutrition.
“Otto will soon celebrate his second birthday and is a happy, thriving baby. The American Heart Association has a special place in our family – in our precious son.”
–Melissa Wilburn, mother of Mobile survivor
Heart-Healthy Teaching Gardens
Teaching Gardens are funded by local donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other community-based organizations. Students learn about the garden, the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and why they're so important!
Closing Equity Gaps
EmPOWERED To Serve is a movement inspired by multicultural volunteers around the country who are passionate about driving change through health justice in their communities. These committed ambassadors are closing gaps in health equity through advocacy, policy, education, and social change.
Blood Pressure
Check. Change. Control.
Stress on your blood vessels from high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other serious health threats. Use our free Check. Change. Control.™ online tool to track your readings and maintain a healthy heart!
Track Your Blood Pressure
For Professionals
Target: BP
The AHA and AMA joined forces with the launch of Target: BP™ to support physicians and care teams. We can track and maintain blood pressure goals for our patients by offering access to the latest research, tools, and resources.
Focus on Quality
When medical professionals apply the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment guidelines, patient outcomes improve. That’s the simple truth behind the drive for continuous quality improvement. Our comprehensive suite of programs can help you advance farther and faster in the quest for ever-better care.
Why Cholesterol Matters
You can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Take control of managing your cholesterol levels by making healthy lifestyle choices and following a sound medical treatment plan.
Support Network™
Life is hard, but you're not alone. We're all in this together, right? Learn from locals like you or help others going through a tough time. Explore the chat forums, read survivor stories, seek and receive support. Because it's okay to lean on others who have been there too.
Local Policy Win
We helped create smoke-free public places in communities across the state, most recently in Homewood, Mountainbrook and Saraland.
Funding Local Researchers
Research is a pillar of the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Over the past 10 years, we’ve awarded 30 grants totaling $3.7 million to Mobile-area researchers in the ongoing quest to understand, improve, and treat cardiovascular disease and stroke. The results will assist doctors, hospitals, and other institutions to save lives in our own backyard and across the world.
Dr. Saami Yazdani and his team at the University of South Alabama are working on two novel ways of dealing with the problems caused by peripheral artery disease. The first method involves a drug-coated balloon that is inserted into the artery, then expanded at the point of constriction so that the therapeutic drug on the outside of the balloon comes in direct contact with the affected artery.
The second tactic involves the use of a profusion catheter. The catheter is inserted into the artery, and when the diseased portion of the artery is located, a therapeutic drug can be applied directly where it is needed to be effective.
Visit Professional Heart Daily, A Resource for Clinicians and Scientists
CPR in Schools Kits
CPR in Schools kits are donated to local high schools by sponsors since the AL law requiring that all graduating high school seniors be trained in Hands-Only CPR is an unfunded mandate. The kits are presented to the schools, and a Hands-Only CPR demo is performed in an assembly or classroom setting to kick off the curriculum.
Infant CPR Kits
Infant CPR Anytime kits donation to the University of South Alabama Childrens’ and Womens’ Hospital: The American Heart Association donated 300 Infant CPR Anytime kits to the neonatal unit at USACW in Mobile to help train the parents of high-risk newborns in Hands-Only CPR for infants.
CPR Trainings
Emergencies leave us feeling helpless, but they don’t have to. Take two minutes to learn Hands-Only CPR™(link opens in new window) now. 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. When a person has a cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can double or triple their chance of survival. Prepare to save a life, find a CPR course near you today.
Healthy For Good
You don’t need a guilt trip. We know you know. You want to be healthy... for good. And we’re here to help inspire you to create lasting change in your health and your life, one small step at a time. The approach is simple: Eat smart. Add color. Move more. Be well. Get Healthy For Good.
Across the Heart of Dixie, communities are building a healthier infrastructure and tackling inequities for hearts of all ages. The challenges are great, but together our future is greater.
Local Events
Mobile Heart Walk
Saturday, October 5, 2019
University of South Alabama
Let's get Heartwalking, a movement to move more. Heart Walk is a festival of one million hearts in 300+ communities nationwide beating healthy for good. Join us in Mobile! Walk in memory of someone you love, or create a team.
Baldwin Heart Walk
Saturday, November 16, 2019
OWA
Baldwin County Art For Heart Gala
April 6, 2019
The Barn at Chapel Farm
Business, medical, and other community leaders unite to celebrate the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of inspiration, entertainment and hope as we build a healthier Baldwin County!
Mobile Go Red For Women Luncheon
We "Go Red" for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women - more than all cancers combined. Let's raise awareness that 80 percent of cardiac events are preventable!
Get Involved
Email us for more information on givingWhy I Support the AHA
“The work of the American Heart Association universally helps people from all walks of life and economic situations improve their daily lives. It brings me great pleasure to know that my volunteer and financial support efforts with the AHA over the past decade are helping to break the silence about the devastating impact heart disease and stroke is having on our families and our communities.”
–Martin Davis, an American Heart Association donor
