SAN DIEGO, Ca., September 18, 2025 — The American Heart Association is devoted to changing the future for a world of healthier lives for all. Four San Diego leaders are joining the Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, creating a lifesaving movement of change across the nation.
Launching on Sept. 18, individuals nominated for the Leaders of Impact awards, in almost 100 cities across the country, will begin a seven-week competition to improve health within their local communities. They will leverage their collective influence to educate people on the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and raise funds that are critical to drive pioneering scientific research and support health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.
The Association has funded more than $6.1 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest nonprofit, non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. There are 2,200 research projects currently underway, totaling more than $584 million in funding supported by the Association. New knowledge resulting from this funding continues to save lives and directly impact millions of people in every corner of the U.S. and around the world.
“These exceptional volunteers are helping to propel the American Heart Association’s work toward creating a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Sheila Brown, President of the American Heart Association San Diego Board of Directors. “This program allows San Diego leaders and stakeholders to drive change in their local communities, creating a healthier future for everyone.”
San Diego’s 2025 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
- Dr. Andrew Ho, Cardiologist, Temecula Center for Cardiac Care
- Dr. Hassan Kafri, Founder, Kafri Heart and Vascular Clinic
- Dr. Craig Larson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Sharp HealthCare
- Naresh Lachmandas, Senior Partner, CIO and COO, Avasant
The campaign will culminate on November 5, 2025.
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees visit the San Diego Leaders of Impact website.
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About the American Heart Association
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, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Erika Cervantes-Aarons: Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
