A new Board and an expanded vision will usher in 2008 for the Bermuda Heart Foundation.

In the past the foundation was generally involved in raising money for heart equipment giving more than $2m to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital cardiology unit between 1993 and 2004.

Newly appointed chairman, David Mutch, said the emphasis now will be on education, providing family support and partnering with health organisations to improve the Island's heart health.

He said: "While the Bermuda Heart Foundation has had a great history of supporting the heart patient community, by raising funds for the hospital's cardiac diagnostic unit, we have decided that it is time to take an even more active approach."

"The role of the Bermuda Heart Foundation is shifting to include proactive efforts; helping to educate the community about the risks of heart disease as well as assisting the recovery efforts of heart patients."

The BHF will be starting a series of initiatives over the next three years that are aimed at building awareness; educating heart patients and their families and providing support; as well as partnering with health organizations such as the hospital, charities, government and insurance companies to transform heart health on the island.

Preparations are already in place for February, just one week away, which is Heart Month.

Myrian Balitian-Dill, former chair and new deputy, said the month would be filled with Heart Health activities which will be in this paper, including "Wear Red for Women's Hearts" day on Friday, February 15.

She said: "With heart disease being Bermuda's number one killer, and with the alarming increase in heart disease risk factors in our children, the Bermuda Heart Foundation needed to reshift its focus and better align its efforts to meet the needs of the community.

"Taking a more active role in prevention, education and post-recovery support will create greater impact on the health of our community."

The new board is comprised of David Mutch, Chairman, Myrian Balitian-Dill, Deputy Chair, Cliff Morris, Treasurer, Doreen Blee, Secretary, Carl Daly and Jennie Watlington, Prevention Committee, Dr. Marion Watlington and Norma Smith, Medical Representatives, Naz Farrow and Catherine Kempe, Colonial Insurance Representatives, Jim Stroeder, IT and Doug Parker, Marketing.