Memorial Health Foundation hosts heart health luncheon

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Cousins delivers keynote on cardiovascular health

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Nearly 150 people attended Memorial Health Foundation's Conversations of Care event series at the Wood County Resiliency Center on Friday. The focus was on the cardiology and vascular teams, with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Cousins delivering the keynote presentation on steps to better cardiovascular health. Attendees enjoyed a heart-healthy lunch and had the opportunity to ask questions of available cardiologists and vascular services providers.

Why it matters

The event was part of Memorial's initiative to strengthen health and connections within the community, providing an opportunity for doctors, community members, and county officials to come together and learn more about the cardiovascular services available locally.

The details

Dr. Geoffrey Cousins, a cardiothoracic surgeon with Memorial Health System, spoke about his personal and professional experiences with cardiovascular disease. He discussed the common causes of heart issues, such as unhealthy diets, smoking, drinking, and inactivity, and emphasized the importance of being aware of symptoms, especially in women. Cousins also described the various cardiac procedures he specializes in, including beating heart surgery, coronary artery bypass, and valve surgery.

  • The event was held on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Dr. Geoffrey Cousins

A cardiothoracic surgeon with Memorial Health System who served as the keynote speaker at the event.

Jarrett Stull

The executive director of the Memorial Health Foundation, who organized the Conversations of Care event series.

Memorial Health Foundation

The organization that hosted the Conversations of Care event series to strengthen health and connections within the community.

Memorial Health System

The healthcare provider that employs Dr. Geoffrey Cousins and offers a range of cardiology and vascular services in the region.

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What they’re saying

“I recognized early on that West Virginia was a place where people didn't really have good healthcare.”

— Dr. Geoffrey Cousins, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

“What's very interesting is that 43% of women who had a heart attack had no acute chest pain symptoms. That's why it's very important for you to be tuned into yourself and not ignore any changes.”

— Dr. Geoffrey Cousins, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

“It's all about bringing our community, our patients together with our providers in a setting that's outside of the clinical area or hospital. It's also to learn about what services we offer here, close to home.”

— Jarrett Stull, Executive Director, Memorial Health Foundation

What’s next

The next Conversations of Care event will be held on May 19, 2026 at the Wood County Resiliency Center and will focus on primary care doctors.

The takeaway

This event highlights Memorial Health System's commitment to improving cardiovascular health in the local community by providing educational opportunities and connecting residents with their medical providers in a relaxed, community-focused setting.