Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield executive picked to spearhead 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Walk
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 2, 2023 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has named Wanda King, a vice president for Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, chairperson of the 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Walk. In this role, King is charged with a $365,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association in central Arkansas, the Arkansas Delta and other surrounding communities.
The Association’s Heart Walk is the organization’s premier event designed to help companies positively impact employees’ overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it. The walk is April 27 at North Shore River Walk. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m.
King, who has lived with hypertension for 20 years, is a longtime participant and leader, recruiting fellow walkers from her community and the workplace. She sees it as an extension of her job.
“We’ve had to be clever in finding new and inventive ways to raise Heart Walk funds,” King said. “We’ve sold t-shirts and sold paper hearts – the kind that people sign as a show of support. We’re always looking for new activities that will bring awareness and support for the American Heart Association.”
In her year as chairperson, she’s meeting new people and advocating for participation.
“I want to share how easy it is to get involved,” she says.
King’s hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can run in families. Both her mother and father had it. King’s father died of a heart attack. However, King’s lifestyle choices have helped her and many like her with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves.
“I volunteer so that research can continue to improve the lives of people with heart disease as well as those who have not been diagnosed yet,” she said.
At Arkansas Blue Cross, King is vice president of the Federal Employee Program and Medicare Advantage Operations. She joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 1992 as a telemarketer and worked her way up within the Arkansas Blue Cross family of companies. During a three-year break from Arkansas Blue Cross, she joined the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System as a marketing specialist, which allowed her the opportunity to receive healthcare coverage through the Federal Employee Program she now directs.
King, originally from Cotton Plant, graduated from the University of Central Arkansas and received a master’s degree in health services management from Webster University.
The Central Arkansas Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. More than 40 companies and up to 1,000 fundraising walkers are expected to participate. The top three fundraising teams will be recognized.
King will be joined by other like-minded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement.
The 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Walk is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas, CHI St. Vincent and QualChoice Health Insurance. For more information go to CentralArkansasHeartWalk.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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X 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
