Local High Schooler Makes Waves in Fight Against Heart Disease
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Milwaukee, WI – December 11, 2024 – Evan Bahr, a senior at Marquette high School, is making headlines after being named the 2024 American Heart Association (AHA) Milwaukee Leaders of Impact™ winner. His dedication to promoting equitable cardiovascular health in the community has earned him this prestigious award. The recognition highlights a critical issue: Milwaukee County faces stark health disparities, with a 13-year gap in life expectancy between its most and least healthy neighborhoods.[1] This disparity underscores the impact of social determinants of health – factors like access to healthcare,socioeconomic status,and environmental conditions – on overall well-being.
The stark reality is that life expectancy in Milwaukee county ranges from a high of 89 years to a low of just 65.9 years.
“Evan and all of our nominees’ steadfast efforts are helping to ensure everyone across the Milwaukee area has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” said Katie Connolly, Executive Director of the Milwaukee American Heart Association. “By ensuring access to quality healthcare and addressing health disparities we are strengthening our collective future,creating a healthier,more vibrant community for generations to come.”
The urgency of Bahr’s work is underscored by the fact that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.1 Furthermore, projections from the American Heart Association indicate that an aging population, increased diversity, and rising risk factors among younger individuals could nearly triple the nation’s cardiovascular disease costs by 2050.Read the full report here.
Bahr’s achievement is even more impressive considering the competitive nature of the Leaders of Impact program. Over seven weeks, he competed against four other Milwaukee professionals, ultimately raising the most funds to secure the 2024 title.
The American Heart Association, celebrating over 100 years of service, has long been a champion for cardiovascular health, working to remove barriers to care, fund research, educate professionals and patients, and advocate for healthy public policies.
The Leaders of Impact initiative, running from October 17th to December 4th, engaged hundreds of cities nationwide. Each nominee played a vital role in raising awareness and funding for the AHA’s mission.
Other milwaukee Nominees:
- Caitlyn Getzloff,Riley Construction
- Dr. Tammy Kindel, Medical College of wisconsin
- Christina Robotka, BSI/Smart Spaces
- Hayley Zingsheim, ProHealth Care
To learn more about the Leaders of Impact program and view a complete list of 2024 nominees, visit leadersofimpact.heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. Through research, advocacy, and education, they strive to create a world of longer, healthier lives. Learn more at heart.org.
Protecting Your Heart: Essential Resources and Support
Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for a long and fulfilling life.The American Heart Association (AHA) provides invaluable resources and support to help Americans prioritize their heart health. Whether you’re seeking information, support, or simply want to learn more, the AHA offers a comprehensive network of assistance.
For immediate assistance or to connect with experts, you can reach out to the AHA through various channels. Their dedicated team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance. You can find them on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
The AHA’s website is a treasure trove of information on heart health, offering detailed articles, educational materials, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They also provide resources specifically focused on stroke prevention and management, a critical aspect of overall cardiovascular well-being. For those seeking more in-depth information, the AHA’s website is an excellent starting point.
Connecting with the AHA is easy.You can find them on Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Contact Dan Truttschel at dan.truttschel@heart.org
For general inquiries, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
Visit heart.org and stroke.org for more information.
remember, proactive steps towards heart health can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Take advantage of the resources available to you and make informed choices to protect your heart.
Milwaukee High School Senior Raises Big Bucks in fight for Equitable Heart Health
This interview explores the inspiring story of Evan Bahr, a Milwaukee high school senior who exceeded expectations by winning the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact award. Through his tireless fundraising efforts, Evan is shining a spotlight on a critical issue: stark health disparities in Milwaukee County that impact cardiovascular wellbeing.
Evan, congratulations on your well-deserved win! For our readers who might not be familiar with the American Heart Association’s Leaders of impact program, can you tell us a little bit about it and how you became involved?
Thank you! It was truly an incredible experience. The Leaders of Impact program is a fantastic initiative by the AHA that challenges individuals to raise funds and awareness for heart health. What really appealed to me was the focus on raising funds to address cardiovascular health disparities right here in Milwaukee. When I learned about the program, I knew I had to get involved.
you raised the most funds amongst a group of accomplished professionals – that’s impressive for a high school senior! What was your motivation to dedicate yourself to this cause?
To be honest, seeing the health disparities in our own city really motivated me. Knowing that people’s zip codes can determine their life expectancy is something that should not be happening.Everyone deserves a fair chance at a healthy life, and that’s what drew me to the AHA’s mission.
Can you speak to the specific health disparities you’re working to address through your efforts with the AHA?
Milwaukee County regrettably has a critically important gap in life expectancy between its neighborhoods. Some areas have a life expectancy almost 25 years shorter than others! This is often driven by factors like access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental issues. The AHA’s work in addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to closing that gap and ensuring everyone has the opportunity for a long and healthy life.
What kind of impact do you hope your fundraising will have on the community?
I hope that my fundraising will directly support the AHA’s programs addressing heart health disparities in Milwaukee. Whether its providing access to health screenings, supporting research into cardiovascular diseases, or advocating for policies that promote health equity, I want to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
What message would you like to share with other young people who might be passionate about making a difference in their communities?
My biggest message is: Don’t underestimate your power to make change, no matter your age. If you’re passionate about a cause, go for it! Start small, get involved, and you can truly make a difference.
