Franklin Moosnick Service Award honors volunteers that go above and beyond in support of the Association’s mission
The Central Kentucky chapter of the American Heart Association recently presented Ava Henry with the Franklin Moosnick Service Award--the local chapter’s highest volunteer honor.
Both of Ava’s parents were affected by heart disease. Her father died of a massive heart attack, and her mother suffered a mild stroke in 2008 and passed away from a heart attack in 2016. Following her mother’s stroke, Ava became a volunteer with the American Heart Association in 2009. She has been involved in the organization’s Heart Ball and Heart Walk, but Ava’s real passion lies in helping women.
“Women, in many cases, are often taking care of everyone in the family. Women place themselves on the back burner in most areas of life. When I began to research the American Heart Association and the Go Red for Women campaign, I knew that I needed to help women focus on their health by knowing their numbers,” Ava said.
Along with her work for Go Red for Women, Ava has championed the American Heart Association’s Have Faith in Heart initiative since 2012. The initiative includes partnerships with CHI Saint Joseph and predominantly African American churches in the Lexington community. Have Faith in Heart helps empower the communities that are affected most by heart disease by offering educational materials and programs to churches. Ava’s work through the program provides over 200 heart health screenings each year to Lexington residents.
“I have worked with Ava for more than 10 years as she has volunteered to help the American Heart Association make a difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke. She is passionate about our cause and our community. The thing about Ava is that she shows up--she is a doer. She has helped us reach the community where they are and allowed the American Heart Association to provide lifesaving heart health information, blood pressure screenings and more. She is very deserving of this recognition,” said Mike Turner, senior social events director of the Central Kentucky American Heart Association.
Along with her work at the American Heart Association, Ava has volunteered for the March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen, Colors of Promise, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, Networking Women, Avon Block Grant and was on the Kentucky Department of Health Board.
The Franklin Moosnick Service Award was established in 1990 as a tribute to Dr. Franklin Moosnick, a former member of the American Heart Association’s National Board of Directors, and former president and long-time board member for the American Heart Association in Kentucky.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
