Niagara Falls City School District superintendent named to new initiative championing health in schools

Mark Laurrie supports critical work to improve student well-being through Eastern States Superintendent Council 

American Heart Association Press Release 

Mark Laurrie, superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, is working with the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, and 16 other superintendents to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Laurrie was selected to serve as a volunteer leader for the AHA’s Eastern States Superintendent Council.

The eastern states region encompasses 13 states, along with Washington, D.C., from Maine to Virginia. The new superintendent council is aimed at helping to strengthen the work of the American Heart Association across school districts in the eastern states region. The council will share, inform and help shape the work of the American Heart Association, leading to greater impact across the region. The council members will help shape solutions and responses to current issues facing schools and districts.

“We are incredibly proud that Mark Laurrie, a trusted voice in our community, is lending his expertise as we work toward combatting issues that are affecting student well-being and overall health,” said Robyn Birren, regional vice president of school engagement with the American Heart Association. ”The superintendent council plays a critical role as we work to improve the lives of everyone in the eastern states region, and we’re excited to see the transformational impact the council will make on students within our community.”

The superintendent council is an elite group of American Heart Association volunteers comprised of superintendents from a diverse mix of urban and rural public-school districts across the eastern states region. Council members serve a two-year term, participating in stakeholder sessions and offering their individual and collective expertise to assist the American Heart Association in creating a culture of health in school systems and communities across the region.

The council complements the work of the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, where volunteers with different backgrounds and perspectives focus on improving the health and well-being within their local communities and are committed to efforts that will help children achieve healthier, happier and longer lives. 

“The work being done by the American Heart Association has never been more critical or needed,” said Laurrie, council co-chairman and superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District. “The connections they are making with schools across the country should be considered a model of collaboration that adds incredible value to every school and community.”

The work of the American Heart Association, to save and improve every child’s life, is rooted in the organizational vision that all children – regardless of gender, race, location or economic status – should be able grow to their full potential. Efforts are being made around the country, including through this council, to make the places where kids live, learn and play to support their physical health and mental well-being, because according to the American Heart Association, only 29% of children have high cardiovascular health1 based on Life’s Essential 8 measurements.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities. To learn more about American Heart Association youth-based programs visit www.heart.org/getstarted.

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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.