American Heart Association signature event supports heart disease research, celebrates survivors and raises awareness of CPR
Nearly 3,000 people joined the Richmond Heart Walk on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Innsbrook, raising over $655,000 in critical funds for heart disease and stroke research. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally.
According to the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. That is why the American Heart Association broadened efforts to drive CPR education, awareness and community initiatives through the Heart Walk, the Association’s largest community facing initiative. 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 number one killer in Central Virginia.
The Richmond Heart Walk featured survivors, individuals and teams from 87 companies who came together to take the first step to save lives. Every walker, every dollar means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more champions for equitable health.
“Heart Walk is truly our mission in action,” said Joel Gray, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Virginia. “When we unite as a community, the impact is monumental. Whether it’s providing education to individuals about heart disease, training our community in CPR, or raising essential funds for lifesaving research, every effort counts. We are immensely grateful to all the companies and communities that have shown their support. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger Central Virginia for everyone.”
Here in Richmond the top companies based on fundraising, include:
- HCA Virginia
- Sentara Health
- Care Advantage, Inc.
“It was exciting to see our HCA Virginia teams come together in such a big way to support the mission of the American Heart Association through this year’s Heart Walk,” said Devin Tobin, chief operating officer at HCA’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. “This event is more than just a walk. It’s a powerful movement to fight heart disease and stroke. By coming together, we made a significant difference in advancing research, education, and community programs that save lives and improve heart health for all.” HCA Virginia was the top fundraising company, with more than $72,000 raised, and represented the two top teams from across Central Virginia led by, Debra Anderson, Karen Bolton and Becky Oatts.
The Richmond Heart Walk also honored David Griffin, local father of two who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest while running the Richmond Marathon in 2023. David and his family cut the ribbon at the starting line and lead participants along the route.
The Richmond Heart Walk is presented by Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Molina Healthcare, Sentara Health Plans and VCU Health. Donations are still being accepted toward this year’s Heart Walk. To donate and learn more, visit RichmondVAHeartWalk.org.