WEST DEPTFORD, NJ, August 24, 2022 — The American Heart Association has named Dr. Reginald “Reg” Blaber, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Virtua Health, as chairman for the 2022 Fall Heart Walk. The Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, October 22, at the Riverwinds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Dr, West Deptford, NJ 08086. In this role, Dr. Blaber will encourage participation in the walk and fundraising to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. 

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premier annual event that unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Dr. Blaber will be joined by other like-minded executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout, and promote community engagement. 

“We can’t fight cardiovascular disease alone. We are grateful to have Dr. Blaber’s commitment to the mission,” says Earnestine Walker, Executive Director, American Heart Association. “Under Dr. Blaber’s leadership, we are confident that we will achieve the goals for the Heart Walk, which will support the advancement of transformational research initiatives and educational programs in our community to help people lead longer, healthier lives. “  

The Heart Walk is a part of the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge®, a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employees’ overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, promote physical activity, support a great cause, and have a lot of fun doing it.

Anyone interested in supporting the Heart Walk as a donor or participant can visit the event landing page. The 2022 goal is to raise $130,000. 

The funds raised from the Heart Walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training, and promoting better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which is focused on reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

“I am honored to serve as chair of this incredible event and to represent my patients, my family, and everyone at Virtua Health in this meaningful way,” Dr. Blaber said. “At Virtua, we believe in being Here for Good, and our ability to be a force for good grows when we stand – or walk – together. I look forward to October 22 and invite the region to join us in promoting healthy hearts.”

For more information about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, visit www.snjfallhw.org or Sarah.Delucas@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For Media Inquiries:
Theresa Spencer, Director, Communications: Theresa.Spencer@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org