BATON ROUGE, La. – Jan. 28, 2025 - Kyle Viator, market president of AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana, will lead the charge as the 2025 Capital Area American Heart Association Heart Walk chairperson. Under Viator’s leadership, top executives from 10 companies will raise $600,000 for the American Heart Association and will play a crucial role in the Association’s Nation of Lifesaver’s initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rate by 2030.
Funds raised will reduce cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR. The American Heart Association has been saving lives for more than 100 years and is spotlighting CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2]. Viator and the executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in the Capital Area are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk gives Capital Area residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Kerin Spears, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Louisiana. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers. With Kyle at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”
"We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Viator. "CPR education and community preparedness are fundamental in building a community of lifesavers because they empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond in life-threatening situations. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference."
“Additionally, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana is proud to support the Capital American Heart Association in its important community work. Through our collaboration with their Stocking Healthy Pantries initiative, we’ll be able to provide many potential survivors and their families with healthy food access, educational and nutritional resources, and more,” said Viator.
The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in reducing cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for adults in the Capital
In addition to raising funds, Viator and the executive committee will lead action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and transformation. The executive committee members include: Matt Valliere, Patton Brantley, Susan Eccle, Hunter Kinchen, Kristy McKearn, Barrye Miyagi, Lauren Strange, Rebecca Vance, Ryan Landry, Kim Sangari, and Michaelle Carnaggio.
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Saturday, April 12 at Rhorer Plaza, where thousands of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. The 2025 Capital Area Heart Walk is locally sponsored by: Live Fierce Capital Area Sponsor Cardio Health Solutions, and Live Fierce Be Relentless Sponsor Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascular Institute.
Companies interested in participating may contact AHABatonRouge@heart.org. For more information, visit capitalareaheartwalk.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. 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:
Mary Fein, mary.fein@heart.org
[1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)