JANESVILLE, WI (May 31, 2024) — Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates.[1] That is why the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, will broaden efforts to drive CPR education in Janesville through the annual Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk campaign.

The Heart Walk is the Association’s largest community facing initiative that raises funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. The expansion of this lifesaving initiative will empower companies in Janesville to become champions of CPR.

Dana Neal, 2024 Heart Walk Chair and human resources manager at GOEX Corporation will spearhead efforts in Janesville by rallying fellow corporate leaders and their employees to join the 2024 Heart Walk.

“With the extensive reach of the Heart Walk, we have a unique chance to address a significant issue within our community,” said Neal. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, and countless lives in Janesville could have been saved if bystanders were confident and ready to perform CPR. By focusing on fundraising, community education, and corporate engagement, the Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, boost bystander preparedness, increase funding for essential research, and ultimately, save lives. We urge every company in Janesville to participate in the Heart Walk, taking the first step towards creating a community of lifesavers. The preparedness of our community could mean the difference between life and death for someone we know and love.”

Implemented in over 220 cities nationwide, the year-round Heart Walk campaign engages companies to improve health and well-being of employees while driving efforts to fight against cardiovascular diseases, the no. 1 killer in Janesville. Now, participating companies not only contribute to the fight against heart disease and stroke but also will help drive the organization-wide Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Association’s most recent commitment to CPR with the declaration to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030.

“We want at least one person in every household to learn CPR,” said Neal. “Imagine the lifesaving impact if every home in Janesville had a hero ready to act in a cardiac emergency. By involving more people in the Heart Walk, we can transform our community of bystanders into a community of lifesavers.”

For more than six decades, the American Heart Association has led the way as the global leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and as the official publisher of the guidelines for CPR. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The multi-year initiative supports CPR education, extends AED use and engages employers, policymakers, philanthropists and others to increase the chain of survival. The long-term goal is to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR.

The 31st Annual Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk will take place on September 15 at the Town Square Pavilion in Janesville. Companies interested in participating can contact Tracy Earll at Tracy.Earll@heart.org. For more information about the Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk visit RockCountyHeartWalk.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: 214-706-1173
Travis Sloan: 608-957-5781; Travis.Sloan@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org