SEATTLE, Monday, June 6, 2023 — Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the Puget Sound and Mark Mitchke, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Washington is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Mitchke will serve as chairman for the 2023 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk events, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke. The Heart and Stroke Walk events will be held October 14 in Seattle and October 21 in Tacoma. 

“The work the American Heart Association is doing to improve nutrition security in our community is the reason I am inspired to support the organization,” said Mitchke. “Having regular access to healthy and nutritious food is critical in supporting heart health, oral health and overall wellbeing, and should be available to everyone in the Puget Sound. A healthy diet goes hand in hand with regular physical activity in preventing heart disease and stroke; leading the Heart and Stroke Walk is a real honor for me.” 

As chairman, Mitchke will lead a team of seven Puget Sound executives to recruit companies and organizations to take part in various Heart and Stroke initiatives including the Executives with Heart campaign, which engages corporate leaders to make meaningful, personal gifts to support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal, and the events in Seattle and Tacoma. Through this work, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation. 

Also serving in leadership roles on the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk Executive Leadership Team are, Kevin Corcoran, vice president, Washington, Providence Health Plans, Tom Day, senior vice president, Greater Puget Sound Market, Columbia Bank, Karissa LaClair, director stroke program quality management, MultiCare, Todd Lovshin, Washington market president, PacificSource Health Plans, Diane Oakes, chief mission officer, Delta Dental of Washington, Jaja Okigwe, chief executive officer, First Choice Health and Tobin Weldele, vice president, Amazon. 

“We are incredibly grateful for these individuals who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Troy Stedman, board chair, American Heart Association, Puget Sound and president/chief executive officer of Abbott Construction.  “Through the Heart and Stroke Walk, we are able to drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in the Puget Sound.” 

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge™ campaigns provide resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees. 

For more information about the Heart and Stroke Walks or to get your company involved with the American Heart Association in the Puget Sound, contact Jessica Schwendeman at Jessica.schwendeman@heart.org or visit pugetsoundheartwalk.org. 

The 2023 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk events are locally sponsored by Delta Dental of Washington, Providence Health Plan and MultiCare.

 

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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. To connect with the Puget Sound office, visit heart.org/PugetSound or follow ups on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.   

Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org