APPLETON, WI (July 10, 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 Northeast Wisconsin through the Fox Cities Heart Walk campaign.

The Fox Cities Heart Walk will take place on September 28 at the Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. Registration can be completed at NortheastWisconsinHeartWalk.org.

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 Northeast Wisconsin to become champions of CPR.

“With the extensive reach of the Heart Walk, we have a unique chance to address a significant issue within our community,” American Heart Association Development Director Sophie Ackerman said. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, and countless lives in Northeast Wisconsin 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 Northeast Wisconsin 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 more than 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 Northeast Wisconsin. 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.

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.

Companies interested in participating can contact Sophie Ackerman at Sophie.Ackerman@heart.org. For more information about the Fox Cities Heart Walk visit NortheastWisconsinHeartWalk.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