PORTLAND – Linda Varrell, president and CEO of Broadreach Public Relations, has been recognized with the 2026 Crystal Heart Award from the American Heart Association in Maine. The award was presented at the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon on March 19, where Varrell was honored for her efforts to support heart health awareness and improve the well-being of Mainers.
With a family history of heart disease, Varrell has seen friends and family face life-threatening conditions, including heart attack and stroke. She is a third-generation participant in the landmark NIH Framingham Heart Study, having contributed to the research since 2009. She became active with the American Heart Association in 2012 following her stepdaughter’s post-pregnancy diagnosis of tachycardia. Since then, she has been a strong advocate focused on helping people recognize the signs and know what to do next.
“We were thrilled to present Linda Varrell with our 2026 Crystal Heart Award at the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon,” said Lindsay Colle, the Association’s vice president of Development, Northern New England. “She is a leader who stands out as someone who has made a real change in our community through her commitment to the Go Red movement.”
Varrell is a leader in the community through her role at Broadreach Public Relations and her long-standing involvement with the American Heart Association, including service on the organization’s Executive Leadership Team and as a Circle of Red member.
“I became more involved with the American Heart Association after a heart-related health issue in my family, and it changed how I think about awareness and response,” Varrell said. “We do not always control the outcome, but we are not powerless. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.”
The Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which was created to raise awareness and close gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women.
For more information on the Association’s Maine events and initiatives and to get involved, visit: Heart.org/Maine or follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram (@AHAMaine).
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Founded in 2007, Broadreach Public Relations is a women-owned, award-winning strategic communications firm located on Portland’s historic waterfront. Broadreach runs on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and has partnered with over 350 businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to deliver creative strategies, effective storytelling, and measurable results for more than 450 projects. The firm, consisting of eleven employees, has earned 75+ local and national industry awards. We take pride in helping clients build their credibility, raise their profile, and expand their reach. Learn more at www.broadreachpr.com.
