Gregory Deavens leads American Heart Association’s 2024 Philadelphia Heart Walk
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Philadelphia and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is working together with the American Heart Association (AHA) to build a world of longer, healthier lives. The American Heart Association is announcing that IBX President and CEO Gregory E. Deavens will serve as chair for the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke, culminating in a community walk at Citizens Bank Park in November.
Over the past 10 years, IBX associates have raised nearly $1 million through personal giving and outreach to others, and since 2019, more than 1,000 associates have registered for the Walk. IBX is also a long-time supporter of the AHA’s efforts to increase Hands-only CPR training, and has sponsored several CPR kiosks in the region, including one that was recently installed at the Wells Fargo Center.
“At Independence Blue Cross, we are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of our community and removing barriers to high quality, accessible and equitable healthcare,” Deavens said. “We are excited to lead the Philadelphia Heart Walk this year and raise awareness and resources to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.”
As chair of the Heart Walk, Deavens will lead a team of 15 Philadelphia executives to recruit companies and organizations to take part in various Heart Challenge™ initiatives including Heart Walk®, CycleNation™, Hard Hats with Heart, and Executives with Heart. Through these initiatives, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about health equity in the workplace, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation.
“We are incredibly grateful for leaders like Greg who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to health equity, heart disease and stroke,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, Executive Director for the American Heart Association in Greater Philadelphia. “Through the Heart Walk campaign, we can drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate support of our mission. We are honored to have Greg leading this critical campaign for our mission during our Centennial year, as we celebrate 100 years of impact and look ahead to the future of our work.”
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable, and how you eat, move, and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. Heart Walk provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees.
For more information about Heart Walk or to get involved, contact David Morris or visit www.heart.org/phillywalk.