ADA, Okla., March 26, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and Chickasaw Nation are asking the public to join them for the 2024 Southeastern Oklahoma Heart Walk Saturday, April 20, at Koi Ishto Stadium on the campus of East Central University. The walk is the Association’s premiere event for raising life-saving funds for heart and stroke research. Chickasaw Nation is the presenting sponsor.

“Heart disease and stroke impact people in very personal life-changing ways,” said Mark Fried, executive director of the American Heart Association-OKC, which hosts the Southeastern Oklahoma Heart Walk. “Every single person in the community can help advance our lifesaving mission. We encourage everyone to take the first step in building a healthier community by registering for the walk. From there, you can truly advance the mission by inviting your friends, family and co-workers to donate at whatever level is right for them. Every step and every dollar counts.”

“The party starts at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9,” said walk director Jennifer Lacy. The 1-mile walk will take place around the track with a slew of activities taking place on the football field.

Chickasaw Nation will provide hands-only CPR training at midfield and anyone who receives training will go home with a CPR Anytime Training Kit. The self-facilitated kits provide basic lifesaving skills training in about 30 minutes by streaming video from the comfort and privacy of home or workplace.

Kids can participate in an inflatable obstacle course and football toss and rub elbows with members of the men’s and women’s East Central University sports teams. Team members will also be signing footballs for the kids. There will also be a survivor area and a designated space where walkers can paint a garden rock in memory of a loved one or as a reminder to get and stay heart healthy.

“Through the Heart Walk, we’re inspiring participants to share WHY they walk while motivating them to take charge of their health and foster real change in our local community,” Lacy said.

Local sponsors Mercy Health-Ardmore and Mercy Health-Ada will be offering blood pressure checks. Another local sponsor, Michelin, is sponsoring Strokes for Stroke, a putting green set up to simulate the warning signs of a stroke.

More information can be found at SoutheasternOklahomaHeartWalk.org

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

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

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org