PROVIDENCE, R.I. November 17, 2025-  On October 24, 2025, at the Omni Hotel in Providence, Miriam Plitt was presented with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Southern New England Heart Ball. The award celebrates individuals whose extraordinary dedication and leadership have strengthened communities and advanced health outcomes across Southern New England. 

For more than 20 years, Plitt has been a driving force for the Heart Association, giving her time, voice, and energy to improve health in Rhode Island and beyond. From leading the local Board of Directors to raising critical funds and advocating in local media, Plitt’s contributions are vast, but her heart has always been advocacy. 
 

Her personal mission is deeply inspiring. Plitt’s grandson, Jacob, was born with a congenital heart defect. He has undergone two surgeries and is now thriving. Motivated by Jacob and the hope of a healthier future for all children, Plitt has traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for lifesaving medical research at the National Institutes of Health and has spent countless hours at the Rhode Island State House advancing policies to improve public health, from healthy school meals to strong tobacco control laws. 
 

“This was an extraordinary honor and a total surprise,” shared Miriam. “In my many roles with the Association both professionally and personally, it was an enriching experience to know that I was saving lives and contributing to research so that people and especially children can lead productive lives. I was raised in a family where I was taught the importance of giving back and helping people. Advocacy is my mission as I strive to help children with heart and stroke issues to lead healthy lives.”  

“Miriam Plitt’s dedication, leadership, and relentless advocacy have transformed the health of countless Rhode Islanders,” said Michelle Clark, executive director of the Heart of Southern New England. “She is a role model, a champion for children and families, and an inspiration to everyone who has the privilege to volunteer or work alongside her. Her impact will be felt for generations.” 

Plitt’s decades of service are deeply woven into the fabric of Rhode Island’s communities. She has served on the Pawtucket School District Wellness Committee, advocated for safe streets initiatives, and championed policies that protect and strengthen the health of residents statewide. 

“I have had the honor of advocating alongside Miriam for nearly two decades,” shared Megan Tucker, region senior director, field advocacy for the American Heart Association of Southern New England. “Her passion, commitment, and perseverance are unparalleled. Miriam exemplifies the mission of the American Heart Association. She is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. I am thrilled to celebrate this very special and well-deserved recognition.” 

The Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award is the Heart Association’s highest honor in Southern New England. Miriam Plitt’s leadership, compassion, and dedication continue to inspire volunteers, advocates, and families across the region, and the next generation of leaders she champions will carry her mission forward. 

The Heart Ball, chaired by DiSanto Priest & Co., brought together over 300 guests and raised $415,000 to support the Association’s lifesaving mission. More than a fundraiser, the event is a celebration of the Heart of Southern New England campaign, a community-wide effort to advance research, strengthen programs and empower individuals to live longer, healthier lives. 

For more information about the Heart Ball or to get involved with the Heart of Southern New England campaign, contact Lindsay Iadeluca, development director, at Lindsay.Iadeluca@heart.org or visit heart.org/sneheartball.  

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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: 214-706-1173 
Media contact: Samantha Bowen; Samantha.Bowen@heart.org  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 
heart.org and stroke.org