2022 Heart Walk to take place in person at Savin Rock in West Haven
The American Heart Association (AHA), the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Lou Gianquinto, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut, is serving as chair of the New Haven Heart Walk, which will return in person at Savin Rock on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
As chair, Gianquinto, originally from West Haven, will lead organizational and recruitment efforts in greater New Haven. Building on his company’s mission to improve lives and communities, he will call on thousands of area volunteers, survivors, walkers, and business leaders to step up to support AHA in the organization’s efforts to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in the United States. The Heart Walk is slated to raise $250,000.
“COVID-19 hasn’t slowed down cardiovascular disease, and awareness about heart healthy living is more crucial than ever,” said Lou Gianquinto, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut. “The New Haven Heart Walk promotes health and well-being while supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. I am excited to mobilize my team at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut and our surrounding communities to support this important initiative, which will help raise much-needed funds for research around heart disease and stroke.”
As president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut, Gianquinto leads a health plan accounting for more than one million lives in Connecticut. His team works to simplify healthcare and improve lives for the members Anthem serves across the state, as well as the communities where they live and work. He joined Anthem in January 2020 to run Anthem’s Missouri Medicaid health plan (Missouri Care, now branded Healthy Blue MO). He brings his deep industry experience to his current role where he is working to grow and innovate, particularly in the area of value-based care, in service of people across the state.
“A seasoned healthcare leader, Lou has more than 25 years of industry experience and deep roots in the Connecticut community,” said Todd Boe, American Heart Association New Haven Heart Walk director. “We appreciate his passion for fighting heart disease and stroke and his commitment to saving lives.”
The New Haven Heart Walk is back in person at Savin Rock in West Haven and kicks off at 10 a.m., following state and local guidelines. Heart Walk participants are encouraged to follow the American Heart Association’s Connecticut Facebook page @heartCONN to find pre-event challenges and information to make the Heart Walk experience more fun.
A leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease is lack of physical activity. Walking improves heart health, reduces stroke risk, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. The New Haven Heart Walk encourages physical activity while raising funds to support research, advocacy and awareness of heart disease and stroke.
For more information about registering for the New Haven Heart Walk visit www.newhavenheartwalk.org. Follow the American Heart Association Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/HeartCONN for updates and educational information. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call Todd Boe at 203-858-2787.