VENTURA : Heart Association Has New Branch

The American Heart Assn. has organized a new branch to coordinate fund raising and public seminars in the Ventura area, officials said.

“Instead of organizing activities haphazardly on a countywide basis, we’ll have local people putting together activities in Ventura,” a spokesman said. “There will be greater access for the public.”

Jon Overholt, a Ventura doctor, has been named president of the branch.

In addition to the Ventura-area branch, the American Heart Assn. has four other branches scattered throughout the county. A Camarillo branch will open in September.