JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 3, 2024 — Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death on the First Coast and Camille Harrison, executive vice president, Medicare and chief innovation and experience officer at GuideWell is working with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Harrison will serve as chair for the 2024-2025 First Coast Heart Challenge™, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
“Heart disease claims far too many lives on the First Coast and beyond, and like most people, I have seen its impact within my own family,” Harrison said. “I am passionate about enhancing health outcomes, education and awareness in our community, and I am honored to lead these efforts alongside the American Heart Association.”
As chair of the Heart Challenge™, Harrison will lead a team of 22 First Coast executives to recruit companies and organizations to take part in various Heart Challenge™ initiatives including Heart Walk®, Field Day and Executives with Heart. Through these initiatives, 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.
Buck Smoak, director of business development at Auld & White Constructors has been named chair of Executives with Heart which engages corporate leaders to make meaningful, personal gifts to support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal.
“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Caitlin Brunell, executive director for the American Heart Association First Coast. “Through the various Heart Challenge initiatives, we can drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here on the First Coast.”
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. Heart Challenge™ provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees.
For more information about Heart Challenge™ or to get your company involved, contact Jacquelyn Easterling, Vice President of Development, jacquelyn.easterling@heart.org, or visit Jacksonville FL | Heart Challenge.
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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, Twitter 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
