FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 3, 2023 — The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting individuals from Northwest Arkansas back to its premier event to boost physical and mental health through healthy habits while supporting a lifesaving mission.

On Oct. 7, NWA Heart Walk participants and teams are invited to Unilever’s Rogers office, 5078 W Northgate Road, to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. There is no registration fee for the family-friendly event. Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to Top Fundraising Company, Top Fundraising Team and Top Fundraising Walker. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000people and raise about $500,000.

The 2023 walk is led by Walmart executives Corey Bender and Shawn Townzen along with Andrew Spice, customer service manager for Unilever.

“The past three years have shown us that no matter where we are, we can come together for a common cause,” Heart Walk co-chairman Corey Bender. “Heart Walk is all about promoting the health and well-being of our community and supporting the Association’s mission to save lives.”

“While heart disease is not completely preventable, awareness and research can help to reduce the impact this disease has for many people,” said Bender. “The AHA’s focus on heart disease helps to do just that, through research grants, education and events such as the Heart Walk.”

American Heart Association-NWA Executive Director Deven Daehn reflected on the longevity of the heart walk and the thousands of residents who have participated and supported the walk over the years.

“In addition to being fun for families and pets, the NWA Heart Walk has always been a bit of a health fair,” she said. “Almost everyone walks away knowing a little more about how to live a healthier lifestyle, and we know that information is being passed on to other family members and throughout the community.”

The Association will be distributing information about the risks and prevalence of heart attack and stroke. Other educational opportunities include:

  • Hands-only CPR will be taught by paramedics from the Rogers Fire Department
  • Health screenings for high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol will be offered by staff from Washington Regional and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas
  • Pediatric cardiology education will be offered Arkansas Children's Northwest Hospital

To register for the heart walk, visit NWAHeartWalk.org. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media using the hashtag #NWAHeartWalk

The NWA Heart Walk is the signature event of the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge program which is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and wellbeing. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.

The funds raised from the local walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality. Visit www2.heart.org to learn more. 

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org