The American Heart Association is proud to announce that Michael Porter, Facilities, Maintenance and Construction Manager at Aflac, will serve as the chair of the 2022 Heart of Columbus campaign, culminating in the Greater Columbus Heart Ball celebration.  The ball will take place in April 2022 at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center.

In his role as chair, Porter will work with volunteers, sponsors, and business leaders to advance the American Heart Association’s mission.

\“Heart disease runs in my family. As a father of four young children, I am honored to help carry forward the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” Porter said.  “I’m passionate about the intersection of mental and physical health and am looking forward to making an impact in our community.”  

Through the Heart of Columbus campaign, Porter will help lead efforts to tackle issues, such as high blood pressure, in the region.  Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and many don’t even know they have it.

The American Heart Association will provide support to organizations such as Victory Mission and MercyMed of Columbus to increase the number of people who know their numbers and know how to prevent and manage high blood pressure.  The association will provide blood pressure cuffs, information on how to properly self-monitor blood pressure and other resources to the community. The Heart of Columbus Blood Pressure program is locally sponsored by St. Francis Emory Healthcare, TSYS and Aflac.

“The Heart of Columbus takes the Heart Ball beyond the table into a year-round campaign, bringing the work of the American Heart Association to life, “states Karen Preston, AHA Regional Director. “Most heart disease and stroke deaths are preventable, and this campaign is an opportunity to focus on mission-critical work, putting a spotlight on key issues.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association and how you can become part of the mission to end heart disease and stroke, contact Karen Preston, AHA Regional Director, at [email protected].