June 19, 2017 -- The American Heart Association recognized the CH-UH City School District for its leadership and support of the association’s youth market programs.
In 2017, eleven Cleveland Heights-University Heights schools participated plus the central office to raise $25,283 for the American Heart Association, increasing the district total by 10% over last year. This year under the leadership of Vince Nemeth, Roxboro Elementary raised $16,475, ranking first place in the district and also ranking Roxboro Elementary number one out of 174 schools in four counties.
"Our partnership with the American Heart Association goes beyond fundraising. This program teaches our children the importance of community service and gives them the opportunity to positively impact the world around them. The AHA is helping us fulfill our mission of preparing our students to become responsible citizens," said Dr. Talisa Dixon, Superintendent.
Through the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs, students learn the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition and saying no to smoking to maintain a healthy heart.
Funds raised through these events are used by the American Heart Association to fund cardiovascular research in Ohio, preventative education programs, quality improvement initiatives in Ohio hospitals and advocacy work.
“Cardiovascular disease is mostly preventable, yet everyday thousands of lives end due to heart disease and stroke," said Valerie Weber, Youth Market Director with American Heart Association. "American Heart Association has funded more heart and stroke research than any organization outside of the federal government; with 13 Nobel prize winners who developed treatments like the pacemaker, CPR techniques, microsurgery and stents to help patients worldwide. Yet today many key questions remain unanswered and many research projects remain unfunded. Together we are putting new research dollars into action through programs like Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart which promote awareness, physical activity and can help fund the next breakthrough to save more lives and increase the heart health of our communities."
"Cleveland Heights-University Heights staff and students should be very proud of their accomplishments and we are honored to work alongside them to improve the cardiovascular health of this generation and future generations.”
Physical activity is a necessary component in the fight against heart disease and stroke – our number 1 and number 5 killers. Children need at least one hour of physical activity every day to maintain a healthy heart, however many do not receive the minimum requirement. The lack of physical activity increases a child’s risk of heart disease, obesity and other problems later in life. Through its Youth Markets team, the American Heart Association works with districts and school’s Physical Education staff to promote heart healthy living, physical activity and community service to children, and provides free wellness tools to the faculty and staff.