WHO IS HEART NIAGARA?

Heart Niagara is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to the prevention of heart disease. Since its inception in 1977, Heart Niagara has taken a lead role in the heart health of Niagara residents.

Last year, the organization saw over 20,000 people in Niagara through the following programs and services:

Community Preparedness: CPR, First Aid and AED training/placement. Diagnostic Program: Echocardiogram, Stress Testing, Holter and Loop Monitors Healthy Heart Schools’ Program - Reaching 5,000 in Niagara students annually HeartCORE Investigator Initiated Research Corporate Safety, Health and Wellness Programs

1977 - Heart Niagara is founded by Dr. Stafford Dobbin in response to the community need by introducing citizen CPR to the Niagara Region and advocating for enhanced 9-1-1. 1978 - Heart Niagara Cardiac Rehab Program was implemented and served the community from September 1978 to December 2006.

1979 - Heart Niagara offers primary prevention in 20 workplaces and schools. 1981 - 1983 - Heart Niagara provided leadership as part of a team to restructure the Badminton Club and the Niagara Falls YMCA. 1984 - Heart Niagara established protocol for mass participation events.

1985 - Heart Niagara provided medical coverage for the World Masters Games Marathon and 10k. 1986 - Heart Niagara provided medical coverage for the Fort Erie Friendship Festival through to 2000. 1987 - Heart Niagara establishes the Healthy Heart Schools’ Program. First program was delivered to Lord Elgin and A.N. Myer. 1989 - Heart Niagara “Steps Project’ is launched providing primary and secondary prevention. 1990 Heart Niagara hosts first fundraising event in Niagara promoting cycling. 1991 - The Healthy Heart Schools’ Program goes regional. 1992 - Heart Niagara reaches the goal of 200 CPR instructors. 1993 - Adult Primary Prevention Program is funded. 1994 - Wellness Program reaches 20 industries. 1995 - Heart Niagara provided medical coverage for The World Veteran’s Games. 1996 - Gary Shura is Acting Director.

1997 - Clebrates the heart of the Community Awards 1998 - Annual Hearts in Motion Golf Tournament is established. 1999 - CPR is added to the Grade 9 curriculum, Heart Niagara commits to teach 4,300 Grade 9 students annually. 2000 Placed the first public access defibrillator in the Niagara Region. Heart Niagara offers first aid training. Lead advocate team for a SmokeFree Niagara. 2001 Heart Niagara donates defibrillators to each of the four City of Niagara Falls Arenas. 2002 Celebrates 25th Anniversary. The establishment of the regional Community Public Access Defibrillator Program. 2003 - Expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation site into Fort Erie and St. Catharines. 2004 - Established Heart Niagara Diagnostic Services.

2005 - Niagara on the Move launched. Provides infrastructure for Niagara Physician Recruitment Program (2005-2011). 2006 - Launch of 10,000 Physical Activity Tool Kits with pedometer. Smoke Cessation Services for clients targeting 55+. 2007 - Cooking with Heart Cookbook in celebration of Heart Niagara’s 30th Anniversary. Increased CPR training to reach Grade 7 & 8 students in Niagara. 2008 - Partnership with Sick Kids Hospital to strengthen delivery of the Healthy Heart Schools’ Program. Showcased the benefits of CPR training throughout the physical education program with the video “Minutes Count”. 2009 - Heart Niagara’s research data was presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton.

2010 Heart Healthy Schools’ Program data is recognized for its’ significance at the Canadian Cardiology Symposium. 2011 Fundraising Events - Edge of the... Dinner Series (2011- 2013) Pete Stoutenburg Memorial Hockey Tournament (2008-2014). 2012 - Heart Niagara moves to Valley Way.

2013 - Heart Niagara delivers the Healthy Heart Schools’ Program to Grade 5 students. 2014 - The John and Lillian Clark Fund is established and the Clark Centre for Health and Wellness is established. 2015 - Community partnership established with Niagara River Lions 50/50 Raffle and ticket donations. 2016 - Heart Niagara moves to new location on Queen Street in Niagara Falls. Cycle Safety Program funded. Early Study follow-up with over 2,000 families. Partnered with Crusing on the “Q” and celebrate old downtown. 2017 - Heart Niagara celebrates 40th Anniversary. Gus Macker ‘3 on 3’ Basetball Tournament. Over 750 AED placed in Niagara 2018 - Heart Niagara continues their work in education, research and community outreach.