JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Oct. 15, 2024 — About 25,000 convened at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Oct. 5 for the 2024 First Coast Heart Walk in support of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. The event brought together more than 70 companies and 600 teams to raise more than $1.2 million toward the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the No.1 killer of adults in the United States, and stroke ranks second globally. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, the Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research and ultimately, save lives.

This year’s Heart Challenge Chairperson was Camille Harrison, executive vice president, Medicare, and chief innovation and experience officer at GuideWell and Florida Blue. Harrison worked with a group of 22 First Coast executives, who served on her Executive Leadership Team, to raise critical funds for the Association.

“I want to extend a special thank you to Camille and her executive leadership cabinet, our Board of Directors and all the local companies who generously supported the walk,” said Caitlin Brunell, executive director for the First Coast American Heart Association. “I also want to thank our company coaches, walkers, survivors and volunteers. Your involvement plays a key role in our fight against heart disease and stroke and has a profound impact on our community.”

The Association’s First Coast Heart Walk is the largest family and pet friendly walk on the First Coast. The event featured a one-mile and three-mile route, hands-only CPR demonstrations, activity exercises and health and wellness reminders.

The event also included a warm-up by BOARD30 Ponte Vedra, a national anthem performance by Violette Lani and Iris Andie and presentation of the colors by the Paxton Army JROTC Color Guard. News4Jax Meteorologist Katie Garner served as event emcee, and Jaxson de Ville and the ROAR from the Jacksonville Jaguars brought excitement to the stage.

The event’s top fundraising company was Florida Blue (Life is Why sponsor), followed by Baptist Health, UF Health and Johnson and Johnson Vision. HCA Florida Healthcare is the local sponsor of Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation. The event was also made possible by:

  • Ascension St. Vincent’s
  • ASM Global
  • Auld & White Constructors
  • Availity
  • Baptist Health
  • Brooks Rehabilitation
  • Crowley
  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Fickling Construction, Inc.
  • Fidelity National Financial
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville
  • GuideWell Source Family of Companies
  • HCA Florida Healthcare
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
  • Johnson and Johnson Vision
  • Mayo Clinic Florida
  • Miller Electric Company
  • Norsan Media
  • Oliver Wyman
  • PRI Productions
  • Rayonier
  • Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital Jacksonville
  • Southeastern Grocers, Inc.
  • Suddath/Perdue Office Interiors
  • Superior Construction
  • Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
  • UF Health Jacksonville
  • Walgreens
  • WJXT

“The Heart Walk is a wonderful opportunity for members of our community to come together to honor or remember our loved ones who have been impacted by heart disease or stroke,” Brunell said. “We deeply appreciate the support of our mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives for all.”

Donations supporting the 2024 First Coast Heart Walk can be made at www.firstcoastheartwalk.org.

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About the American Heart Association:

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org