American Heart Association Kansas
Communities with Heart
The American Heart Association has made blood pressure kiosks available at various community locations across Kansas.
Wichita student named 2025 National Teen of Impact Winner
Inspired by his own family’s history of heart illness, Lad Oborny took his passion for improving health and well-being for his peers, his community and across the country to build a campaign that earned him the title of the 2025 National Teen of Impact Winner. Oborny, of Wichita, set a national record, raising more than $220,000 to support the mission of the American Heart Association.
Chicken with Strawberry and Pineapple Salsa
This heart-healthy recipe features tender grilled chicken topped with a vibrant strawberry and pineapple salsa, balancing sweet and savory flavors. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño add a refreshing kick, making it a light yet satisfying dish.
Angie Loving, Lawrence, Kan
When Angie began having what felt like persistent heartburn, she nearly brushed it off as indigestion. But something told her to take it seriously. She checked the American Heart Association’s list of heart attack symptoms and realized she needed medical attention. Acting quickly made all the difference. Angie hopes her story reminds others that heart attacks don’t always look like they do in the movies—and that listening to your body can save your life.
Wichita Heart Ball Ambassador Program
Ambassadors are a group of selected high school students who participate in educational and servant leadership activities. The Ambassador program is intended to be fun and prepare young leaders to be future heart advocates, while serving as an excellent resume builder, since these young men and women have the opportunity to learn valuable leadership development skills and network with peers. The Ambassadors will be presented at the American Heart Association's Wichita Heart Ball on February 21, 2026. The activities will occur during the 2025-2026 school year. Students from all high school grade levels in Wichita and surrounding areas are welcome to apply!
Application deadline: August 14, 2025
Hudson’s Story
Wichita family makes it a priority to participate in Heart Walk every year after their son, Hudson was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
GIVING TUESDAY 6X MATCH ENDS AT MIDNIGHT
Cardiovascular disease takes more than 2,500 Americans every day. Help us change that.
In Your Community
The American Heart Association is committed to driving equitable health impact in Kansas through five key priority areas: women, COVID-19, tobacco and vaping, patients and healthy living. Equity is at the center of our work and it will continue to guide all that we do.
Through our focus on these key impact areas, and with collaboration among local organizations, sponsors, businesses and others that serve the community we are working to improve the health and well-being of all Kansans while saving and improving lives.
Our legislative and regulatory priorities help to mitigate risk factors and protect survivors in communities across the country. We support the enactment of evidence-based public policies that lead to longer, healthier lives.
Public policy advocacy is an essential strategy used by the Association to affect necessary and sustainable policy, system and environmental changes that help Kansans build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Our efforts in Kansas communities are focused on ensuring access to health care coverage through Medicaid Expansion, protecting comprehensive insurance and equitable enforcement of tobacco retail licensure.
Board Chair:
Chris Rea
Foundation Properties
Dr. Emily VinZant, M.D.
Centurion
Giving Society Ambassador:
Yvette Connor
CohnReznik
Members:
Debi Devor-Mullins
White Eagle Credit Union
Shawn Jiwanlal
Bank of America
Clayton Kaiser
Foulston Siefkin, LLP
Alison Lacy
Kansas Acute Care Midlevel Staffing
Matt Morris
Forvis Mazars
Dr. Tuan Nguyen, MD, FAAP
Kidz Cardiology
Kolbe Sheridan
MK Wound and Limb Preservation
Ryan Tittsworth
Rusty Eck Ford
Scott Wilson
INTRUST Bank
Board Chair
Keri Mathew
Central Bank of the Midwest
Board President
Dr. Heath Wilt
North Kansas City Hospital
Chair-Elect
Carla Duryee
Duryee Consulting
Members
Adriana Martinez
ECCO Select
Brian Burkett
JE Dunn Construction
Damon Jacobs
Indian Health Services
Dr. Steven Kaster
Jayson Cuba
The Miller Group
Kalinda Calkins
Bank of Oklahoma
Marvin Szneler
Matt Sogard
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Mindy Brissey
MRB Strategies
Dr. Natalie Jayaram
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Patricia Beatty
Phil Eilers
HNTB
Stephanie Moss
Concerned Clergy
Tim Castaneda
Amazon Web Services
Amanda Nichols
VP, Development
(913) 652-1902
[email protected]
Angie Galindo
Senior Vice President,
Western Region
(913) 652-1905
[email protected]
Deb Debusk
Development Director,
Heart Challenge
(913) 652-1903
[email protected]
DeEtta Lee
Sr. Marketing Communications Director
(913) 652-1914
[email protected]
Erin Gabert
Sr. Community Health Director
(913) 652-1909
[email protected]
Jackie McMahon
Sr. Development Director,
Gala
(913) 652-1904
[email protected]
Jenny Nguyen
Development Coordinator
(816) 745-1703
[email protected]
Kari Rinker
State Government Relations Director
(316)768-3841
[email protected]
Kayli Saathoff
Quality Improvement Manager
(913) 901-6902
[email protected]
Kevin Harker
Executive Vice President
(913) 652-1908
[email protected]
Laura Lopez
Executive Director
(913) 652-1929
[email protected]
Natalie Cronkhite
Development Coordinator,
Heart Walk
(913) 652-1901
[email protected]
Natalie Spar
Development Director,
Impact
(314) 518-2961
[email protected]
Sami Hess
Development Director,
Go Red for Women
(913) 242-3582
[email protected]
Teresa Allen
Office Manager
[email protected]
Contact Us
Wichita
By Appointment Only:
121 S Whittier Rd, #220
Wichita, KS 67207
Phone: 316-768-3830
Media Requests: (501) 690-2382
Kansas City
By Appointment Only:
5800 Foxridge Drive #108,
Mission, KS 66202
Phone: (913) 652-1900
Media Requests: (913) 652-1914
Heart and Stroke News
