The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, announces Donna Handley of Hartford 
HealthCare as chair the 2019 Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk. The annual event will take place on Sunday, September 29 at the Mohegan Reservation in Uncasville.
Handley will lead the organizational and recruitment efforts in eastern Connecticut. She will call on thousands of area volunteers, survivors, walkers, and business leaders to step up to fight cardiovascular diseases.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with over 7,000 deaths in Connecticut each year”, said chair Donna Handley. “I am eager to have the opportunity again this year to promote health and wellness and support such a critical cause. Hartford Healthcare has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association and we are committed to continue our support to advance this lifesaving mission.”
The Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk will attempt to raise $320,000 to fund research and education to fight heart disease and stroke. Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That’s an average of one death every 37 seconds. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Research has found that individuals may gain two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise they do.
In her role as President of Hartford HealthCare’s East Region that includes Backus and Windham Hospitals, Donna Handley provides executive leadership for the East Region which 
includes The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Windham Community Hospital in Willimantic, the Plainfield Emergency and Ambulatory Center, various outpatient clinics and urgent care centers.
To learn more about the Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call Maggie Fitter at 203-710-4930 or go to www.EasternCTHeartWalk.org.