STARK COUNTY, OH — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, is inviting the people of Stark County to transform from a community of bystanders into a community of lifesavers at its largest community-facing event during its centennial year.

Nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed.

But we can change this.

That’s why local businesses, friends and neighbors are invited to the 2024 Stark County Heart Walk, where they will be empowered to act to save lives in emergencies.  

Every walker who joins and every dollar donated means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 21. Festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Healthy for Good Festival at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton (Play Action Plaza, 2101 Champions Gateway). Participants will be able to take part in health screenings and hands-Only CPR demonstrations. The youngest walkers can also enjoy activities in the “Kids Zone”. Leashed pets are welcome to attend. The walk, which includes a 1 and 3-mile paved course, will begin at 9:15 a.m.

This year’s Stark County Heart Walk is led by chair Rick Baxter, president of Alliance Area Development and Alliance Chamber of Commerce.

“The work of the American Heart Association is critical to the health of our community,” said Baxter. “Funds raised during the Heart Walk will advance education and research that will directly affect the health of Stark County residents. The Heart Walk has always been about coming together, getting hearts pumping, honoring survivors, raising lifesaving funds and having fun along the way.”

The money raised from the Stark County Heart Walk will drive CPR education, training and awareness locally. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, the Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research and save and improve lives from cardiovascular diseases, the No. 1 killer in Stark County.

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s largest community-facing initiative. The event has the potential to reach 10 million people nationwide.

2024 is the American Heart Association Centennial – celebrating 100 years of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Since the organization’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half.

To participate in the Heart Walk, individuals and teams can register online at 2024 Stark County Heart Walk - Heart Walk - American Heart Association.

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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:  

Chelsea Caldwell, Communications Director – Northeast Ohio, American Heart Association
Chelsea.Caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 
heart.org and stroke.org