American Heart Association - Kentucky

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

02/18/2026

advocates were at the Kentucky state capitol today calling on local lawmakers to fund legislation to help Kentuckians live longer, stronger lives.

The Association is advocating for the following policies:

❤️ Kentucky Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program (KHDSP): Heart disease and stroke are two of Kentucky's top killers and health care cost drivers. With funding, we can tackle major risk factors, like high blood pressure and smoking, helping Kentuckians live longer, healthier lives.
❤️ CPR in Schools: Kentucky law requires public schools to teach CPR and AED awareness before graduation. Funding will help ensure schools succeed in this life-saving effort, equipping students to provide critical help during cardiac emergencies until EMS arrives, creating communities filled with lifesavers.
❤️ Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES): This database tracks out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to find better ways to improve care and boost survival rates. Funding for CARES helps gather the information communities need to respond faster and save more lives.

To share your voice, check out our Kentucky Action Alert here: http://spr.ly/6186heHnr

02/18/2026

Today we showed up in Frankfort voicing our commitment to a healthier Kentucky and asking our lawmakers to join us in that mission.

Leaders with the American Heart Association (AHA) and advocates for heart health went to Frankfort on Wednesday to outline policies designed to improve the health and well-being of all Kentuckians.

02/17/2026

Share your voice on this important matter - https://midwestregioncampaigns.heartpowered.org/campaign/153806/

More than 14,000 Kentuckians die each year from cardiovascular conditions, according to the American Heart Association. While CPR training is already required in Kentucky schools, the organization is advocating for more state funding to help those training programs grow and become more effective. More below.

02/16/2026

Heart Month is all about coming together to share lifesaving knowledge, and we loved doing just that at this weekend’s University of Louisville Women’s Basketball game!

Our Executive Director in Kentuckiana, Greg Sciuto, and UofL Health's Greg Brislin spent the afternoon teaching fans hands‑only CPR. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn with us!

Ready to join the Nation of Lifesavers? Visit http://spr.ly/6188hwKEQ

02/14/2026

❤️ Celebrating CHD Awareness & Knox’s Story ❤️

Today, Holli and Knox are sharing a story of courage, resilience, and hope. As a CHD survivor, Knox’s journey began long before he took his first breath.

At 20 weeks, everything looked good on the ultrasound—but Holli was marked as high-risk. By 28 weeks, she developed pre-eclampsia, and within days her world changed. At around 30 weeks, she was sent overnight to a specialty hospital, where doctors first diagnosed Knox with aortic stenosis, a congenital heart defect.

Throughout the rest of her pregnancy, Holli made countless trips back and forth to the hospital with pre-eclampsia complications. At 34 weeks and 5 days, she was induced and underwent a C section. Knox entered the world fighting—and was immediately rushed to a children’s hospital for special care.

Just two days after being born on a Saturday, Knox underwent a balloon procedure on Monday. At only 2 weeks old, he had his first open heart surgery—a hybrid procedure designed to mimic how his heart functioned in the womb. With an enlarged left ventricle, that surgery helped stabilize him, and after 48 days, he was able to go home.

At 9 months old, he underwent his second open heart surgery, just one week before Christmas. They addressed the earlier procedure and made additional repairs to help his heart function properly. He was discharged on Christmas Day and continued his recovery at home.

✨ Today, Knox is 11 years old—thriving, strong, and living life with zero restrictions.
✨ He continues regular check-ins with his cardiologist, and Holli stays thankful for every milestone.

CHD may be a lifelong journey, but Knox’s story is a reminder of just how powerful hope, medical care, and a mother’s love can be. 💙

02/12/2026

🌟 Meet Diya Chandran — Congenital Heart Defect Survivor & Youth Heart Ambassador! ❤️

Born with Transposition of the Greater Arteries, Diya underwent her first open‑heart surgery at just one week old. After multiple surgeries—her last at age four—she now stands strong as a high school student using her voice to inspire others.

As a Youth Heart Ambassador with the American Heart Association, Diya shares her story to raise awareness about CHD and the importance of heart health at every age. She leads efforts through her school’s Kids Heart Challenge and works closely with the local Heart team to advocate for healthier communities.

With courage, confidence, and a passion for helping others, Diya is truly an inspiring leader for kids with special hearts. ❤️✨

February 7-14 is CHD Awareness Week.

Did you know that approximately 2.4 million children and adults are thought to be living in the U.S. with congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart defects, which are structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth, are the most common type of birth defect in the U.S. These defects can involve the heart muscle, valves, walls (septa) or major blood vessels connected to the heart.