Photography by JEFF FULLER-FREEMAN
Dr. Greg & Mary St. John, Dr. Oyidie & Greg Igbeoki
The American Heart Association works tirelessly to improve heart health in Arkansas, and in Hot Springs it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved. Each year, the Hot Springs Heart Ball brings awareness and critical support to the fight against heart disease. It’s also a celebration for the Hot Springs community to recognize ways to combat this deadly disease and prevent it.
American Heart Association Regional Marketing Communications Director Cyd King shares startling statistics and notes the most effective and timely response can save lives. “Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States. Only about 10 percent of those people survive. This year, the American Heart Association is asking the public to join With Bold Hearts and help ensure that at least one person in every household knows hands-only CPR.”
Heart Ball Chairman and CHI St. Vincent Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Oyidie Igbeoki and her husband Greg realize the urgency. The couple, along with National Park Medical Center Interventional Cardiologist Greg St. John and his wife Mary will welcome friends and patrons to the Heart Ball next month.
Congruent with the With Bold Hearts initiative, the Heart Ball will showcase the importance of teaching + knowing hands-only CPR and solicit guests to help transform community wellness. Proceeds from the Heart Ball support CPR education in classrooms, community, churches and businesses. American Heart Association – Central Arkansas Executive Director Nikki Smith adds, “And any other place people are willing and able to learn CPR.”
Another highlight of the evening is the formal presentation of the Hot Springs Sweethearts. This program provides a unique opportunity for high school sophomores to participate in a comprehensive program designed to teach heart-healthy initiatives and cultivate civic responsibility with time devoted to the local hospitals. Nikki notes this offers a unique opportunity to cultivate an interest in the medical profession and the continued mission fulfillment work of the American Heart Association in Arkansas. “We have the unique capacity and capability to lead with instruction and policy change across all 50 states, including Arkansas,” Nikki explains. “Our moment is here. Let’s meet it and build a nation
of lifesavers.”
