Krista Null, a certified surgical technologist at WellSpan Health York Hospital, has been named the American Heart Association York 2023 Leaders of Impact winner for her work in driving equitable health in the community. In the southcentral Pennsylvania area, life expectancy varies by 22 years which can often be caused by the social determinants of health and the barriers to achieving health equity for all communities - such as lacking access to quality health care.

Null was one of four nominees who participated in the blind fundraising competition over the course of seven weeks. The four nominees raised a combined $19,918. Null was named the winner with a total of $13,218 raised.

Null's campaign success was driven by a personal connection to the American Heart Association's mission. Null was just 13 years old when she discovered her 17-year-old sister unresponsive in her bedroom one morning as they were getting ready for school. Null's sister had experienced a stroke and subsequently spent 64 days in the hospital re-learning basic skills. Despite some short-term memory loss, her sister went on to graduate high school and earn a college degree.

The other York Leaders of Impact nominees were Dr. Larry Goldhahn, EMS director at UPMC Hanover; Tina Hess, president, CEO and owner at Good News Consulting Inc.; and Paul Johnson, administrative fellow at WellSpan Health Gettysburg Hospital.

The American Heart Association has invested in community health, research and other initiatives intended to save and improve lives. Funds raised through Leaders of Impact will support the association's 2024 Impact Goal, which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. In southcentral Pennsylvania, the association is specifically focused on improving nutrition security and reducing uncontrolled hypertension.

Leaders of Impact launched on Sept. 29, World Heart Day, in 150 cities across the nation and culminated on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day. Each nominee's participation focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise awareness, prompt action and help to fund the mission of the American Heart Association.

Leaders of Impact is held annually as a part of the fundraising campaign for the York Heart Ball, set for Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Yorktowne Hotel. The event will celebrate the American Heart Association's 100-year anniversary and significant milestones in the association's history.

For more information about Leaders of Impact and the York Heart Ball, visit http://www.heart.org/yorkhb.