2024 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk: A Lifesaving Initiative
The 2024 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk is a significant event that brings together survivors of heart disease and stroke, corporate teams, and other supporters of the American Heart Association. Taking place at Seattle Center on September 21 and at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma on September 28, this walk aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the United States.
In addition to promoting physical activity and heart-healthy lifestyle choices, the American Heart Association has made CPR awareness a focal point of this year’s event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR through a digital experience that includes a 90-second instructional video. They will also be able to practice compressions at the walk, empowering them to potentially save lives in emergency situations.
One of the key advocates for CPR education at the Heart and Stroke Walk is Dr. Brett Daniel, a survivor of cardiac arrest who emphasizes the importance of immediate intervention. Dr. Daniel’s personal experience underscores the critical role that CPR can play in saving lives, as early administration of CPR can significantly increase survival rates for individuals experiencing cardiac events.
The Heart and Stroke Walk serves as the signature community event for the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of dedicated work to advance health and hope for all individuals. Beyond raising awareness about heart disease and stroke, the event aims to make a tangible impact on the community by funding scientific research, supporting public health initiatives, and educating the public about cardiovascular health.
Empowering Participants to Make a Difference
Participants in the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk have the opportunity to register online at PugetSoundHeartWalk.org, where they can create fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and invite friends and family to join them in the walk. Through the Heart and Stroke Walk CPR Digital Experience, participants can learn Hands-Only CPR in just 90 seconds, equipping them with life-saving skills that can make a difference in emergency situations.
Survivors of heart disease and stroke will be honored at the walk with special recognition, including red and white caps and a celebratory finish line where they can ring a bell. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of individuals who have overcome cardiovascular challenges, inspiring others to prioritize their heart health and well-being.
Corporate sponsors, including CVS/Aetna, Delta Dental of Washington, MultiCare Health System, and Providence Health Plan, have played a crucial role in supporting the 2024 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk. Their contributions help fund the event and ensure its success in raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles within the community.
Driving Impact Through Fundraising and Community Engagement
Eddie Bratko, President of MultiCare Tacoma General and MultiCare Allenmore Hospitals, and Wade Hunt, President of MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute, are leading efforts to raise $1.5 million through the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk. Their dedication to supporting the American Heart Association’s mission underscores the importance of community engagement and fundraising in advancing cardiovascular health initiatives.
The event details for the Heart and Stroke Walk in Seattle and Tacoma include multiple options for participants to engage in the walk, ranging from 1-mile to 3-mile routes. Festivities at both locations will commence with opening ceremonies and walking activities, providing a festive and energetic atmosphere for participants to come together and support a common cause.
The American Heart Association’s commitment to promoting equitable health in all communities is reflected in its collaboration with various organizations and volunteers. Through innovative research, public health advocacy, and educational resources, the organization strives to improve the cardiovascular health of individuals across the country and beyond.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2024, it continues to be a leading source of health information and support for individuals facing heart disease and stroke. By fostering partnerships and engaging with communities, the organization remains dedicated to advancing health and hope for all individuals, everywhere.
In conclusion, the 2024 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk represents a powerful initiative to raise awareness, promote heart health, and empower individuals to make a difference in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Through fundraising, community engagement, and education, the American Heart Association is driving impactful change and saving lives one step at a time.