COVINGTON, La. – April 8, 2024Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the Northshore area and Benjamin Richaud, CEO Lakeview Hospital LCMC Health, is supporting the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, in changing that. Richaud will serve as chairperson for the 2024 Northshore Heart Walk and lead this community event focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke. 

The 2024 Northshore Heart Walk will begin at 9 a.m. (CT) on Saturday, May 11, at the Covington Trailhead (419 North New Hampshire Street). At 8 a.m., there will be family activities, hands-only CPR demos, healthy snacks, music, giveaways and more. After the walk, a t-shirt contest and more activities will take place.

As chairperson for the 2024 Heart Walk, Richaud will lead a team of Northshore area executives to recruit companies and organizations in raising $225,000. Through this event, 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 transformation. The executive committee members include:

  • Diana Barber, MPH, Vice President, Service Line, North Oaks Health System
  • Elder Brown III, CEO, Continental Underwriters, Ltd.
  • Joan Coffman, CEO, St. Tammany Health System
  • Marvin Gresse, General Manager, Stone Creek Club & Spa
  • Samantha Goodwin, Owner, GoodWins Media
  • Steve Jacobs, Marketing Director, Mele Printing
  • Troy Lyle, General Manager Paretti Mazda/Paretti Mazda of Covington, Paretti Family of Dealerships
  • Kim Melvin, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Lakeview Hospital LCMC Health
  • Ric Poirier, Managing Partner, Blue Williams, LLC
  • Mike Rase, General Manager Jaguar and Land Rover of Baton Rouge, Paretti Family of Dealerships
  • Hope Riccobono, Membership Director, Stone Creek Club & Spa
  • Ronnie Simpson, Regional Director, Community Engagement & Public Affairs, Northshore & Mississippi Gulf Coast Region, Ochsner Health & SMH/Ochsner
  • Sharon Toups, COO, St. Tammany Health System

"As CEO of Lakeview Hospital, I share in the American Heart Association’s mission to help promote the health and well-being of our community. I hope that by serving as this year's Chair of the Northshore Heart Walk, I can help raise awareness and needed funds for the American Heart Association programs that benefit our patients and their families,” said Richaud.

The 2024 Northshore Heart Walk is a way to get moving while socializing with friends, family and co-workers leading up to and on the day of the event. Walking in the Heart Walk boosts heart and brain health while helping others. The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring heart disease survivors.

“We are incredibly grateful for Benjamin and the Heart Walk executive committee leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans. “Through the Heart Walk, we drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here on the Northshore.”  

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. The funds raised at the walk supports the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues on the Northshore.

For more information about the Heart Walk, or to get your company involved, contact AHANewOrleans@heart.org or visit the website at www.NorthshoreHeartWalk.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 nearly a century. Connect with us locally on heart.org/LouisianaFacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

For Media Inquiries:

Mary Fein, mary.fein@heart.org