The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named Darrin Johnson, Plan President at Molina Complete Care, as Chair of the Richmond Heart Challenge campaign. As Chair, he is focused on driving equitable health for every member of our community, with a special focus on health equity, and raising critical funds to support the lifesaving work of the organization.
The Heart Challenge is a year-long campaign, including the Richmond CycleNation on May 25th and culminating in the Richmond Heart Walk, to be held on October 22, 2022 at Libbie Mill Midtown. The Heart Walk unites the community to move more, take on healthy habits and honors survivors of heart disease and stroke and for Darrin, it’s personal.
“Heart disease has had a devastating impact on my family. As a young man, I have memories of my grandmother battling this deadly disease in which it ultimately took her life. Years later, it took my father’s life as well after his own struggle. While my experiences are sad, I have gained valuable knowledge. Education, engagement, and mindfulness are key to winning the fight against cardiovascular disease. I have decided to be an advocate and share my experiences with others so that they can take a proactive approach to management of their health. I am humbled and excited to lead the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge this year.”
Along with his personal commitment to creating longer, healthier lives in Virginia Darrin’s company Molina Complete Care is also stepping up to be the sponsor of Richmond’s Healthy for Good campaign. Healthy for Good is a healthy living movement to inspire lasting change in people’s lives, one small step at a time. The approach is three simple steps; eat smart, move more, and be well.
The dollars raised by the Heart Challenge campaign fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in the Commonwealth. Health equity is central to the Association’s 2024 Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
Darrin is working with an outstanding committee of volunteer leaders on the Executive Leadership Team for the campaign, which include:
Co-Chair Linda Hines from Virginia Premier Health, Laurenso Williams from Gumenick Properties, Marcos Irigaray from VCU Health, Tameeka Smith from United Healthcare, Jerry Mammano of Aetna Better Health of Virginia, and Jennie Reynolds from Anthem, Inc.
To learn more about the Richmond Heart Walk, visit http://richmondvaheartwalk.org/ or contact Robann Parsons at robann.parsons@heart.org for more information.