American Heart Association Joins Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Plaque Presented During Bring a Ball Campaign with Operation UNITE

PIKEVILLE, KY – July 14, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed the American Heart Association as a new member during a special plaque presentation held as the association presented Operation UNITE with sports balls provided through their Bring a Ball to the Ball campaign.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years.

Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, American Heart Association funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Andrea Ooten, was joined by Community Impact Director, Mike Turner, and Marketing Communications Director, Meredith Adkins, in accepting the Chamber Membership plaque on behalf of the organization from Jordan Gibson, President & CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce who was accompanied by Tiffany Coleman, Vice President of Accounting and Special Events.

The American Heart Association serves communities across Central and Eastern Kentucky — including all eight counties represented by the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. Their mission, through their membership with the Chamber, is to become better connected to and better serve our communities directly.

“Storytelling is a powerful way to share impact,” said Meredith Adkins, Communications Director for Central and Eastern Kentucky. “We’re excited to connect more deeply with your communities through Chamber membership — to listen, learn, and tailor our work to support the health of Eastern Kentucky families.”

During the Bring a Ball event, representatives delivered sports balls to Camp UNITE –
a free program that aims to install healthy social and physical habits in middle-school youth. This campaign is just one of the many ways the organization supports Eastern Kentucky communities.

The American Heart Association’s local work includes:

• Libraries with Heart blood pressure monitoring programs in Letcher County, with plans to expand regionally.
• Partnerships with local hospitals and clinics to improve care and health education.
• Smoke-free policy advocacy, helping pass legislation in several counties.
• The Carol Barr Fund STEM Scholarship, available to students across all Chamber counties, with past recipients from Johnson, Lawrence, and Pike.
• Collaboration with UPIKE on CPR training initiatives and ongoing AHA-funded research.
• Active participation in SOAR events throughout the region.