Cheick Mariko has joined the Heart Network’s staff, taking the position of project coordinator for the Health Systems for a Tobacco Free New York program.

In his new position, Mariko will work with medical and behavioral health organizations in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and St. Lawrence counties to increase adoption of evidence-based nicotine addiction practices in their settings.

“Helping people quit smoking is one of the best ways to reduce chronic disease and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities,” Mariko said. “I look forward to working with the Heart Network’s tobacco cessation partners to accomplish this important work.”

“Cheick’s experience working directly with patients and as a healthcare coordinator will be invaluable to the Heart Network as we ramp up our tobacco cessation work once again,” said Heart Network Executive Director Ann Morgan. “We are lucky to have him on board.”

Mariko has a master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Purdue University Global and is pursuing a doctorate in Health Care Administration from Northcentral University. He’s worked as a clinical research coordinator, a medical assistant and telehealth technician. He most recently worked as physician network and quality coordinator for Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake.

Mariko lives in Lake Placid with his family and enjoys outdoor recreation, travel, basketball and soccer.

The Heart Network works with partners across the North Country to design, develop and implement strategies to decrease the incidence of cardiac disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. For more information, visit heartnetwork.org.