Packard Health Recognized by the American Heart Association for Expanding Access to Care

A blonde woman is in the middle of the image at a podium in front of different red backgrounds. There are two people on the left of her holding signs that say "discovery" and "knowledge", and two people on the right holding signs that say "access" and "advocacy".

Packard Health was recently recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for its efforts to improve health and well-being throughout Washtenaw County.

As part of American Heart Association’s Heart Ball supporting the future of cardiovascular care, Packard Health was invited to share its impact story and how community partnerships are helping connect people with the resources they need to live healthier lives.

The event centered around the American Heart Association’s four “Chambers of the Heart”: Discovery, Knowledge, Access, and Advocacy. Packard Health was selected to represent the Access chamber, recognizing the organization’s work to reduce barriers to care and improve access to health and wellness resources.

Representing Packard Health at the event was Rebecca Fleming, Director of Programs and Community Health Initiatives, who spoke about the organization’s work through the Washtenaw Behavioral Health Project, an American Heart Association grant initiative focused on cardiovascular and whole-person health. Fleming was joined by Steve Sarns, a longtime supporter of both Packard Health and the American Heart Association, and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, who attended the event in support of efforts to improve community health and well-being.

Bald man in suit standing next to a brown-haired woman in a blue dress. The AHA Heart Ball logo is on a screen behind them.
A tall brown-haired woman standing next to a shorter blonde-haired woman.

Through this initiative, Packard Health partners with the Ann Arbor YMCA, Jewish Family Service of Ann Arbor, and behavioral health providers to help patients access resources that support healthier lifestyles. The program provides eligible patients with tools and services such as blood pressure monitors, YMCA memberships, and nutrition consultations, helping address both physical and behavioral health needs.

The event also featured representatives from the Discovery, Knowledge, and Advocacy chambers, each recognized for their unique contributions to improving health outcomes. Together, their stories highlighted the important role that research, education, access, and advocacy play in building healthier communities.

Packard Health is honored to have been recognized by the American Heart Association and grateful for the opportunity to share how partnerships and innovative programs are improving health and well-being across our community.