Serving their community has always been a top priority for Sapna and Dr. Srinivas Vengala. Since moving to Hot Springs in 2011, the couple has been active in local philanthropy. Sapna volunteered at Jackson House in Hot Springs for a decade, and both she and her husband remain active at the Hindu Temple of Central Arkansas, which they helped build. Sapna supports CHI St. Vincent through volunteer hours with the hospital’s community health programs, and since their move to Arkansas, Srinivas has been elected American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin President. Their shared commitment to public health has led to their leadership as Hot Springs Heart Ball Chairmen; they will welcome guests to the Hot Springs Convention Center for an evening benefiting the American Heart Association.
Sapna and Srinivas met in Birmingham, Alabama, where Sapna taught collegiate English and Srinivas was pursuing his medical education. The two were introduced by mutual friends from India, their country of origin. Sapna says that although she grew up in Lucknow, a northern city, and her husband hailed from a Southern Indian state with very different traditions, they quickly became fond of each other. Sapna and Srinivas moved to Philadelphia and then Pittsburgh, where he completed a residency and a fellowship while Sapna cared for their young daughter. In Hot Springs, Srinivas continued his doctoral work in cardiology at CHI St. Vincent and Sapna dedicated herself to becoming a pillar of local volunteerism.
The couple continues working to build awareness for heart health. “My husband has always believed prevention is more important than cure. Exercise, diet, and regular checkups are important,” Sapna explains. Srinivas notes that Hot Springs residents are at increased risk. “Heart disease is hitting Garland County hard: more than one in four adults have high blood pressure, and over 70 percent are overweight or obese,” he adds some sage medical advice: “Simple daily habits make a huge difference: eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Your heart is in your hands.” It’s dedicated volunteers like the Vengalas who continue the important work of the American Heart Association in Garland County. “The money we raise goes towards patient care, local schools, and hospitals across Arkansas,” Sapna shares.
The Heart Ball is also a service outlet for young women. Sapna highlights the invaluable contributions of the Hot Springs Sweethearts who volunteer for the CHI St. Vincent Hospital System. The Sweethearts father-daughter dance is one of Sapna’s favorite moments. She also notes that this year’s ball will feature live music for the first time. “Guests can expect a beautiful, heartfelt evening filled with inspiring stories, great entertainment, delicious heart-healthy cuisine and the opportunity to connect with others who care deeply about making a difference.”
Hot Springs Heart Ball
Saturday, February 7 | Hot Springs Convention Center
