MORGANTOWN, W.Va., June 4, 2026 – As part of a summer tradition, your American Heart Association is excited to join with local businesses and community teams for the return of the Greater Morgantown Heart Walk, happening this Saturday, June 6, at the Mylan Park Track Complex. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Funds raised from the event will help fight the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke. This year’s walk chair is Ashley Black with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Morgantown. WDTV 5 News’ Holly and Vince Baratta will emcee the event.
“We are so excited to see the Morgantown community once again join together in this fight, as so many of us have been impacted by heart disease and stroke,” said Lauren Thomas, development director for the American Heart Association in Northern West Virginia. “We can’t wait to see all of the smiling faces of our community teams, volunteers, sponsors and, of course, our survivors.”
The morning will have many engaging experiences to offer attendees, including local survivor recognition, photos with the WVU Mountaineer, a performance from the WVU Alumni Band, the new Wellness Area, CPR demonstrations and morning refreshments.
Area sponsors include the WVU Medicine Heart & Vascular Institute (Signature Sponsor), The Health Plan, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Morgantown, Adrian Enterprises, Debt Collection Partners, Mon Health / Vandalia Health, Hope Gas, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Bowles Rice, Mason Dixon Riders Association, Peak Health, AT&T and Healthworks. WDTV News 5 / Fox 10 are the media supporters of this event.
“We can’t say thanks enough to our sponsors and community partners,” added Thomas. “They helped us make this year’s Heart Walk a success and without them, our mission to save lives couldn’t happen.”
Thomas reminds attendees to look for survivors wearing their special Red Caps (heart survivor) and White Caps (stroke survivor). “If you want to know why you help, just look at our Red Cap and White Cap survivors,” she said. “They are all the motivation you need.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley: kevin.pauley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
