Algonquin College “Hearts” the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation

Posted on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

With the cut of a ribbon, City of Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) Foundation’s President Lianne Laing, Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé and Students’ Association President Abigail Soto Carvajal kicked off a series of activities to mark Heart Month on campus and around Ottawa to raise awareness for heart health.

Algonquin College played host as the first location in Ottawa to “Light the Capital Red” by illuminating the Jack Doyle Athletic and Recreation Centre’s pedestrian bridge as part of the OHIF’s annual awareness campaign for Heart Month. Joining in the festivities were students from the Health Sciences department who learn about caring for hearts every day.

“We are pleased to illuminate the pedestrian bridge as a show of support for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the important work they do,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “The cardiac centre and its hardworking employees include many Algonquin College graduates, so in many ways we are supporting the work of our alumni. We are proud to be a community partner in the important work they are doing within our local health care system.”

According to Health Canada “heart disease affects approximately 2.6 million Canadian adults and is the second leading cause of death in Canada.”

“The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation contributes to the critical funding needed to support ground-breaking research and innovative patient care at the world-renowned heart institute. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Algonquin College for their efforts, energy, and interest in supporting this month-long initiative” said Lianne Laing, President of the UOHI Foundation. “Our community is lucky to have a top-tier research and cardiac care facility in Ottawa and we are grateful to the College for providing talented and qualified candidates who work with our patients and staff daily. Thank you for making our kick-off so special.”

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is one of Canada’s most distinguished heart health centres for the unparalleled care it provides to its patients, a world-renowned research Institute that brings science from bench to bedside, and the country’s main influencer when it comes to preventing heart disease. During the month of February, the UOHI Foundation raises funds and awareness in support of heart health. For a full list of activities, please visit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation page.

Algonquin College offers two programs directly related to heart health: the Cardiovascular Technology Diploma and Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Graduate Certificate. Both programs allow students to build confidence in practicing clinical skills in real-world environments.

“Algonquin College has been working with the Ottawa Heart Institute for years with both the Cardiovascular Technology program and the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program,” said Erin Stitt-Cavanagh, Dean, School of Health Studies. “They are a vital partner to our programs, helping to train our students in becoming skillful and proficient health care professionals. Together, our two institutions will continue to support our students to ensure quality care in our community.”

Other activities planned by Algonquin College throughout the month of February include:

• 13 – Women’s Heart Heath Social Media Information Campaign
• 14 – Let’s Talk About Women’s Health – class presentation to Cardiovascular Technology and Diagnostic Cardia Sonography students
• Profile of Algonquin College graduate who currently works at the Heart Institute

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