LEXINGTON, Kentucky, December 18, 2024 — Wittney Youngblood of Pikeville has been recognized as a 2024 Leaders of Impact™ honoree by the American Heart Association (AHA) for her work in advancing equitable cardiovascular health across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Youngblood was named one of the top five participants nationwide, earning a spot in the AHA’s prestigious Centennial Club after raising more than $100,000 for the cause.
Youngblood, along with seven other local leaders, contributed to a collective fundraising total of over $214,000, placing the region among the top four markets in the country. Her efforts have helped bring attention to the need for better cardiovascular health access in Kentucky, a state with some of the nation’s highest rates of heart disease.
“Wittney and all of our local nominees have made an incredible impact on our mission to improve the heart health of communities across the Commonwealth,” said Andrea Ooten, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Kentucky. “Their dedication will help address health disparities and expand access to care, building healthier, stronger communities for future generations.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky, where the average life expectancy has dropped from 75.3 years in 2018 to 72.3 years in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This decline is linked to systemic inequities, including social and economic factors, that often prevent equal access to healthcare.
For Youngblood, who works at Pikeville Medical Center, the battle against heart disease is personal. Earlier this year, she was also named the Kentucky Woman of Impact™ for her contributions to health advocacy.
“This fight against heart disease requires teamwork, and we’re all in this together,” Youngblood said. “It’s a global issue, and everyone is affected. Together, we can combat this disease.”
The AHA’s Leaders of Impact™ campaign launched in October and concluded on December 4, engaging participants across the nation to raise awareness and funds for the AHA’s mission. The initiative highlights leaders who are working to make a difference in the fight against cardiovascular disease, which remains a significant health concern in Kentucky and nationwide.
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