JACKSON, Miss. October 18, 2024 – The American Heart Association, a global force for   healthier lives for all, will host walkers and volunteers at the annual Heart Walk at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16th at the Two Mississippi Museums (MS Dept of Archives & History) 222 North Street, Jackson.

Robert Leard, executive director of Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center, will lead the charge as the 2024 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chair to build a community of lifesavers in Metro Jackson. Under Leard’s leadership, top executives throughout the Jackson area have united to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight 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, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die [1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival [2]. Leard and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Metro Jackson are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The Heart Walk gives Metro Jackson residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Jennifer Hopping, executive director of the American Heart Association, Metro Jackson. 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 throughout our city. With Robert at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Mississippi. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

"We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Leard. "The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across our area cannot be overstated. 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."

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.

The year-round Heart Walk campaign will attract hundreds of participants who walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Companies interested in participating can contact Heart Walk Director Kellie Osborn at kellie.osborn@heart.org. For more information about the Metro Jackson Heart Walk, visit MetroJacksonHeartWalk.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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

 

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Mary Brinson at mary.brinson@heart.org or 318-789-8154

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org