LOS ANGELES, Feb. 29, 2024 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Los Angeles County, and Derek Chao, MD, chief executive officer of Optum West, is stepping up to support the American Heart Association’s vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere as the chairperson of the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk.
The annual event, which takes place in the fall at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, is the culmination of a yearlong campaign that engages local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the U.S. and globally.
“There is likely not a single person who doesn't know someone living with cardiovascular disease, so this is a cause we can all contribute to, either through volunteering, fundraising, or donating,” said Dr. Chao. “Together, we can give the gift of health to our loved ones and to our communities. I can't think of anything more rewarding than enhancing someone’s health and empowering them to enjoy a greater quality of life.”
Dr. Chao, CEO of Optum West, is a physician, health care executive and leader in value-based care strategy with more than two decades of success creating and implementing groundbreaking programs that help patients and communities lead healthier lives.
As the leader of the Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, Dr. Chao will spearhead a team of executives in engaging companies and organizations to take part in the campaign. The goal is to raise $1.5 million for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, and community health and transformation.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Chao for taking on the challenge to bring us closer to our vision of a world free of cardiovascular disease,” said Paul Watkins, CEO of Dignity Health Northridge and board chairman of the American Heart Association in Los Angeles. “His leadership will drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate and community fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Los Angeles.”
Dr. Chao said his goal is to make this year’s Heart and Stroke Walk, which celebrates the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday, the biggest, most successful yet. “What I'm looking forward to the most is raising awareness of the AHA's mission with organizations throughout the county, especially within our ethnically diverse small business communities. As a Chinese American, I'm also excited to bring the incredible knowledge and resources of the AHA to California's large Asian population and to other traditionally underrepresented communities.”
On average, someone in the U.S. dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds. Funds raised at the Heart and Stroke Walk support the American Heart Association’s important work, including improving care and outcomes for heart disease and stroke patients, advocating for stronger public health policies and funding innovative scientific research to improve health outcomes and find cures.
The American Heart Association has invested $5.7 billion in scientific research since 1949, resulting in breakthroughs that save and improve countless lives every day, including CPR, the artificial heart valve, cholesterol lowering drugs, stents, and microsurgery. The Association is also committed to improving health equity by changing structures, laws and systems that make it difficult for many people to achieve a full and healthy life.
For information about the Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, go to HeartWalkLA.org.
News release in Traditional Chinese (doc)
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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/southerncalifornia, Facebook, Instagram or X, or call (213) 291-7000
Media Inquiries:
Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org
Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721), heart.org and stroke.org