February is Heart Health Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, and work toward healthier communities. Beacon Mutual is proud to participate in this crucial campaign, with a commitment to supporting initiatives that promote heart health both within our organization and beyond.
A Conversation with Amy Vitale Championing Heart Health
We recently sat down with Amy Vitale, Beacon’s EVP & Chief Legal Officer, and President of The Beacon Foundation, to discuss her role with the American Heart Association (AHA) and how Beacon’s mission aligns with the AHA’s efforts to combat heart disease.
Q: How long have you been involved with the American Heart Association?
A: I joined the AHA Southern New England Board in 2022 and will become the Board Chair in July 2025. I have also served on the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team since 2020.
Beacon is well-represented within the AHA organization, with many strong supporters and volunteers. Shannon Broadbent currently serves on the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team, Michelle Pelletier has been a longtime ambassador, Christina Benson has served on Circle of Rose, and Kelly West was recognized with the Healthy for Good Award at last year’s Heart Walk, just to name a few.
Q: What inspired you to take on the role of Chair of the AHA-SNE, and what does it mean to you?
A: Throughout my years of involvement with the AHA, I have been inspired by the impact that it has at both a local and national level. On June 10, 2024, AHA celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its founding. As the oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, AHA has played a major role in funding lifesaving research, such as that which led to the development of drug-coated stents which are commonly used today to treat blocked arteries. It also provides important advocacy and education to support community health. As the No. 1 killer worldwide, nearly every family is impacted by heart disease. No one is immune. Yet, we are seeing progress. Just since 2018, the number of deaths in the U.S. from heart disease has been reduced by over 15%, and nearly the same for stroke. AHA’s work is truly saving lives.
Q: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. What is one key message you’d like people to take away during Heart Month?
A: Through medical breakthroughs, better nutrition, and healthier lifestyles, we can expect to see continued reductions in heart disease and stroke. Yet, one of the most significant ways we can save one another is literally in our own hands. A staggering 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting do not survive.
However, CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double, or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Currently, only about 40% of such people receive CPR before professional help arrives, and in Black or Hispanic communities, that number is much less. We can each play a role in changing this, by learning the very simple process of Hands-Only CPR, and if desired, by becoming CPR-certified. Many lives would be saved.
Q: How does your work at Beacon Mutual and with the Beacon Foundation align with the mission of the American Heart Association?
A: The community support provided by Beacon Mutual and the Beacon Foundation are well-aligned with the Heart Association’s mission. As a company that cares for the well-being of our own employees and those of our policyholders, Beacon supports the Heart Association’s efforts to help people to live healthy lives. Like the Beacon Foundation, the AHA provides valuable funding and support to organizations which are creating better and more equitable health outcomes in our community. In addition to sponsoring Heart Association’s fundraising events such as the annual Go Red for Women lunch, Heart Walk and Heart Ball, as well as educational events like the Hard Hats with Health breakfast, Beacon has supported organizations which are improving heart health, such as community health centers which are assisting with blood pressure control, food pantries which are providing nutrition security, and youth centers which are encouraging healthy activities. Like the Heart Association, we are directly addressing needs in our local community.
Q: What are some ways local businesses and individuals can support heart health in their workplaces and communities?
A: In addition to supporting healthy living through education and wellness activities at work, employers can have a positive impact on heart health by providing access to affordable health insurance, allowing paid time off for medical appointments, and supporting a healthy work-life balance. In addition, employers and their employees can increase the quality of life for themselves and others by participating in and volunteering their time for healthy living causes, such as the Heart Walk, food drives and of course, CPR training.
Q: Is there a personal or professional experience that has shaped your passion for heart health advocacy?
A: Like most of us, I have many people in my life who have dealt with heart disease and stroke, people of all ages, and some who have tragically passed unexpectedly and far too soon. I am grateful for the awareness that I have experienced, as well as the hope that I have gained, that we can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke.
Beacon's Participation in Heart Health Month
This year, Beacon Mutual is actively engaged in multiple initiatives to raise awareness and funds for heart health:
Hands-Only CPR Session: To kick off the Heart Walk, we’re offering a Hands-Only CPR session for employees in early March. This is a great opportunity to learn a skill that could save lives.
Fundraisers: Over the past two years, Beacon has raised funds for the AHA through initiatives like the Virtual Yard Sale and the “Got Sneakers?” campaign. This year, we’re looking forward to even more fundraising opportunities.
Shannon Broadbent, VP of Human Resources, who also serves on the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Committee, says, "We’re thrilled to build on our past efforts and raise even more funds for the AHA this year. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing our contributions can help save lives in our community and beyond."
Employee Wellness: BeaWell Committee's Support
Beacon’s employee wellness committee, BeaWell, plays a critical role in supporting employees’ health and wellness. The committee has been instrumental in promoting heart health initiatives, from encouraging participation in the Heart Walk to providing resources and information on heart disease prevention.
Our employees' well-being is at the core of what we do, and we’re excited to offer opportunities like CPR training and the Heart Walk to help make a positive impact. The more we can educate and engage with each other, the stronger our community becomes in the fight against heart disease.
Join Us in Making a Difference
There’s still time to get involved and support heart health in your own life and workplace. Here are some ways you can participate:
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Join the Heart Walk: Sign up for the Heart Walk on June 7th.
Donate: Whether through workplace fundraisers or personal contributions, your donations directly support AHA’s lifesaving research and education programs.
Spread Awareness: Share your heart health journey, tips, and experiences with your network. The more we talk about heart health, the more people we can help.
As we celebrate Heart Health Month, let’s continue to work together to fight heart disease, support those affected, and promote healthier lifestyles for all.
Amy Vitale sums it up perfectly: "We all have a role to play in advancing heart health, whether it’s through learning CPR, donating, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can make a significant impact."
