Improving Health Equity: Hospital CEO’s Year-Round Campaign in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 9, 2024 — Making strides towards advancing health equity and hope for all individuals in the Oklahoma City metro area, the American Heart Association has launched the Heart of Oklahoma City’s Heart Ball campaign. Leading this community-wide effort are Jill and Richie Splitt, with Richie serving as the president and CEO of Norman Regional Hospital. With a commitment to ensuring every individual in the greater OKC metro area has the opportunity for a full, healthy life, the Splitts are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the health of Oklahomans.
The OKC Heart Ball, scheduled for April 10 at the First Americans Museum, will serve as a platform to celebrate hope and progress achieved through the collective efforts of those who support the American Heart Association’s mission. The event will highlight the organization’s unwavering dedication to scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for under-resourced and under-represented populations, and education aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Richie Splitt, reflecting on his role as a health care leader, emphasized the importance of addressing heart disease and stroke within the community. “By engaging in initiatives that promote better health outcomes, raise awareness, and improve access to quality health care for all, we can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals,” he stated.
Jill Splitt, the owner and operator of Jackie Cooper Tint and Electronics in OKC, shared her enthusiasm for extending the reach of the American Heart Association’s mission beyond the event. “We aim to drive impactful change at the individual level, while also highlighting stories of hope and resilience to showcase the real-life impact of our collective efforts,” she expressed.
Honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Kyle Toal, a distinguished cardiovascular surgeon who passed away the previous year, the 2025 OKC Heart Ball will pay tribute to his contributions to heart health. Dr. Toal played a pivotal role in establishing a cardiovascular surgery program at Norman Regional Hospital in 1991, where he performed surgeries on thousands of patients and provided care to countless others. Known for his compassionate approach to healing, Dr. Toal’s impact extended far beyond his surgical skills, making him a beloved mentor, friend, and advocate for high-quality patient care.
Richie Splitt commended Dr. Toal’s commitment to compassionate healing, stating, “This recognition at the Heart Ball is a fitting tribute to Dr. Toal’s legacy in heart health and the enduring love he shared with his family.” Dr. Toal’s wife, Dr. Susan Chambers, whom he met in medical school at the University of Oklahoma, along with their two sons and daughter, continue to honor his memory and the values he instilled in them.
Sponsored locally by MidFirst Bank and Norman Regional Hospital, the 2025 OKC Heart Ball will celebrate the dedication of volunteers and patrons, feature inspiring stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing, and a live auction. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which focuses on empowering bystanders to become lifesavers through CPR and AED education, thereby enhancing survival rates in cardiac emergencies.
As the campaign progresses, it seeks to engage the community in supporting these lifesaving efforts and spreading awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health. By collaborating with various organizations and leveraging the support of volunteers, the American Heart Association continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health initiatives, and provide valuable resources to promote longer, healthier lives for all individuals.
Subheadings:
Honoring Dr. Kyle Toal’s Legacy
Reflecting on the remarkable career of Dr. Kyle Toal, the 2025 OKC Heart Ball will pay tribute to his significant contributions to heart health and patient care. Dr. Toal’s dedication to compassionate healing and commitment to high-quality surgical practices left a lasting impact on the Oklahoma City community.
Celebrating Hope and Progress
Through the Heart of Oklahoma City’s Heart Ball campaign, community members come together to celebrate the strides made in advancing health equity and promoting a healthier future for all individuals in the greater OKC metro area.
Empowering Bystanders to Save Lives
The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, ultimately improving survival rates and enhancing community health outcomes.
