OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 19, 2024 — Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Oklahoma City, and Randy Ashcraft, vice president and chief operations officer of INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Ashcraft is serving as chairman for the 2024 Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
The walk is set for 8 a.m. Saturday June 1, 2024, at Bicentennial Park in Oklahoma City. Ashcraft and the rest of the executive leadership team are about halfway to its $500,000 goal.
Heart disease runs in both sides of Ashcraft’s family, and he is dealing with risks himself.
“My grandfather had a debilitating stroke which left him not able to care for himself. He needed long-term nursing care until he passed away,” the executive said. Ashcraft said he has high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which he monitors with the help of his primary care physician and cardiologist.
In the past, Ashcraft has served on the American Heart Association-OKC board, as past Heart Walk chairman and on planning committees for Heart Walk, Heart Ball and Go Red for Women in OKC. He says he is particularly proud of having a leadership role during the American Heart Association’s 100th year.
“The Association’s effort to support awareness, education, training and research in the fight to beat heart disease are imperative, especially with Oklahoma consistently ranking high nationally for deaths and prevalence of heart disease,” Ashcraft adds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Oklahoma as one of five states with the highest death rate from heart disease. In 2021 there were around 264 deaths due to heart disease per 100,000 population in the state of Oklahoma.
“The walk provides an opportunity for companies and individuals to get involved in fighting heart disease and it provides education at all levels about heart disease and stroke,” he says. “The Association has numerous resources they can provide companies on how to engage their workforce to help change the direction of heart disease.”
“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” says Mark Fried, executive director of the
American Heart Association-OKC. “Through the various Heart Challenge initiatives, we are able to drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in OKC”.
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.
For more information about the OKC Heart Walk or to get your company involved, visit OKCHeartWalk.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 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, X or 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