Jones Day partners help American Heart Association close the healthcare access gap through Counsel for a Cause campaign

The American Heart Association's Counsel for a Cause campaign brings together legal community leaders with the goal of closing the healthcare access gap. The funds raised through this campaign help the American Heart Association provide critical support to vulnerable communities in Chicago and New York and further their efforts to advance health equity and help patients in these communities enjoy healthier lives. A portion of the record $1.3 million raised during this year's 7th Annual Counsel for a Cause went to under-resourced communities in the Bronx and the South and West sides of Chicago impacting over 230,000 patients through training and resources for health care providers at free and low-cost clinics.

Jones Day partner Michael Gray and Daniel Lee, Managing Director in the Chief Legal Office and Deputy General Counsel, Transactions, The Blackstone Group served as Executive Co-Chairs for this year's campaign, which culminated in celebrations in both Chicago and New York in May. Counsel for a Cause was co-chaired by David Thomas, Partner, General Counsel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Deputy General Counsel of Goldman Sachs; Christopher Machera, Partner with Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York; Tejal Vakharia, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Marketing & Government Affairs of Allscripts; and Asheesh Goel, Partner with Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. Jones Day partners Efrat Schulman, David Birnbaum, and Marty Schmelkin all helped lead to the campaign's success.

Since its inception, Counsel for a Cause has raised $3.4 million for the American Heart Association and its continued research and work towards the prevention of heart disease. Jones Day has been a proud sponsor since the campaign's inaugural year.