WILMINGTON, Dec. 2, 2024 – Dustin McFarland, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Wilmington Heart Walk Chair to build a community of lifesavers in Delaware. Under McFarland’s leadership, top executives throughout the region will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke while equipping people with education, knowledge, and resources to act in the face of an emergency by learning CPR and FAST, the warning signs of a stroke. The American Heart Association, celebrating over 100 years of lifesaving service, has spotlighted CPR education as a critical element of this year’s campaign.
According to the Association, nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, yet immediate CPR can double or even triple their chances of survival. McFarland and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Delaware are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk gives Delaware residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said James Murphy, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Delaware. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, stroke awareness, and building a network of lifesavers throughout Delaware. With Dustin at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”
The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in Delaware. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
“We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR and the warning signs of a stroke,” said McFarland. “The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across Delaware cannot be overstated. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and save a life.”
Dustin McFarland serves as the CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown Delaware, where he oversees all aspects of patient care and operational excellence. With a career spanning over two decades in healthcare leadership, McFarland has been a driving force in advancing rehabilitation services and promoting community health initiatives across the region. His passion for improving patient outcomes, coupled with his dedication to community engagement, positions him as a natural leader for the 2025 Wilmington Heart Walk. McFarland’s leadership is rooted in his commitment to making a lasting impact, both within the hospital and throughout the Delaware community, as he spearheads efforts to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and lifesaving CPR education.
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on September 7 at the Tubman Garrett Riverfront where over 2500 participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training, increase stroke awareness, and drive equitable health for all people.
Companies interested in participating can contact Laura Loro at laura.loro@heart.org. For more information about the Wilmington Delaware Heart Walk, please visit www.heart.org/wilmingtonwalk
About Encompass Health
Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 166 hospitals in 38 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies and Becker’s Hospital Review’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com
Encompass Health Media Contact: Polly Manuel
Polly.Manuel@encompasshealth.com
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 celebrated our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we now forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
American Heart Association Media Contact: Athena Kerstanski Moustakas at athena.kerstanskimoustakas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org