By Sarah Kuper
Alabama ranks No. 2 in the nation for the number of deaths related to cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.
But this year’s Heart Ball honoree, Garry Gause, said he firmly believes the work the association is doing locally can help Alabamians improve their heart health.
“The education the association has done throughout the decades is making all the difference. Things people thought were innocent are contributing to heart disease and early death. They are spreading awareness.”
Gause is the CEO of Tenet Health’s Southern Region. He has been involved with the local American Heart Association since he came to Birmingham in the early ’90s.
Gause has played many parts in the organization, including Heart Walk chair in 2002. That year, Gause helped raise more than half a million dollars in corporate donations.
American Heart Association officials said Gause has always used his health care leadership position to support the mission.
Gause was chosen as this year’s honoree through a peer election process incorporating past honorees, executive leadership and volunteers.
Originally from Tennessee, Gause moved to the Liberty Park area more than 20 years ago. He said he considers himself an Alabamian.
One of the Heart Ball’s themes this year is “Why?” The association is asking people to express why they care about cardiovascular disease.
Gause said his answer is easy – his family.
“We all have a connection to someone who has had a heart attack or stroke. My kids are the reason I’m involved. I want them to have a full life and for there to be research and solutions there if they ever are affected by heart disease.”
Gause said he is passionate about making sure Alabamians understand that 80 percent of cardiovascular episodes are preventable.
“It would be a great day in health care if we didn’t have anyone come into the hospital. We want to work on preventing the disease,” he said.
The American Heart Association has been instrumental in training and equipping workplaces with defibrillators and educating employees in proper CPR techniques.
The association recently changed its mission to include strokes – a relatively misunderstood cardiac event.
Though Gause is the Heart Ball honoree, he said the event is really about celebrating anyone who has helped spread awareness, generate donations and otherwise lead the charge.
“The money raised here stays here. There have been so many medical breakthroughs and surgical developments due to support for the American Heart Association. They are lengthening and improving the quality of Alabama lives.”
Thirty percent of all deaths in the state are attributed to heart disease and stroke, but the American Heart Association has made it a goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by 20 percent by 2020.
Leadership hopes this year’s Heart Ball will raise $1.3 million.
The ball will be March 5, 6-10 p.m., at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Seating is limited but tickets are still available online at birminghamheartball.heart.org.
Steps to a Healthy Heart
The American Heart Association has seven steps for Alabamians to maintain a healthier heart.
The Simple Seven
Eat healthy
Get some exercise
Monitor blood pressure
Monitor cholesterol
Stop smoking
Maintain body weight
Monitor blood sugar
For more resources and information on the Simple Seven, visit heart.org.
