The Coachella Valley Heart & Stroke Walk: A Lifesaving Initiative for Heart Health and CPR Education
Palm Springs, August 5, 2024 — Cardiac arrest is a serious medical emergency that affects millions of people each year. Shockingly, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting do not survive. However, there is hope: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple survival rates, especially if performed immediately. This crucial information underscores the importance of CPR education and training in communities across the country, including the Coachella Valley.
The American Heart Association, a respected organization with a century of lifesaving service, is dedicated to advancing heart health and stroke prevention through initiatives like the annual Coachella Valley Heart and Stroke Walk campaign. This event is the Association’s largest community-facing program, aimed at raising funds for lifesaving research, increasing CPR education and training, and promoting equitable health for all individuals.
2024 Heart and Stroke Walk Chair, Mona Babauta, along with CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency, is leading the charge in the Coachella Valley to rally corporate leaders and their employees to participate in the 2024 Coachella Valley Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, November 9, at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert. Babauta emphasizes the importance of community involvement in CPR training and preparedness, stating that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. With the right knowledge and skills, bystanders can make a significant difference in saving lives in their communities.
The Heart and Stroke Walk campaign, implemented in over 220 cities nationwide, engages companies to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees while also combating cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the Coachella Valley. By participating in the Heart and Stroke Walk, companies not only contribute to the fight against heart disease and stroke but also support the Nation of Lifesavers™ movement. This initiative aims to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030, emphasizing the importance of widespread CPR training and readiness in communities.
The ultimate goal of the Heart and Stroke Walk is to empower individuals to become lifesavers in their own right. By increasing CPR education and accessibility, bolstering bystander preparedness, and funding vital research, the campaign seeks to create a community of individuals ready to act in cardiac emergencies. With the support of corporate sponsors and community members, the Heart and Stroke Walk aims to transform the Coachella Valley into a hub of lifesaving knowledge and action.
Subheadings
1. The Importance of CPR Education and Training
2. Corporate Engagement in Heart Health Initiatives
3. The Nation of Lifesavers™ Movement: A Commitment to CPR Education
The Coachella Valley Heart and Stroke Walk scheduled for November 9, 2024, at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, is a significant event that brings together individuals, companies, and organizations in support of heart health and stroke prevention. Local sponsors, including SunLine Transit Agency, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, IEHP, Walter Clark Legal Group, Desert Care Network, and Prime Time International, have joined forces to make this event a success. Companies interested in participating can contact Mary Leith at Mary.Leith@heart.org for more information.
For over six decades, the American Heart Association has been a leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, setting the standard for CPR guidelines and procedures. Through initiatives like the Nation of Lifesavers™, the Association is committed to turning bystanders into lifesavers by providing essential CPR education, promoting AED use, and engaging with policymakers and employers to increase survival rates in cardiac emergencies. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies, the Association aims to create a nation where everyone is prepared to perform CPR when needed.
In conclusion, the Coachella Valley Heart and Stroke Walk is not just a charitable event; it is a lifesaving initiative that aims to transform communities by promoting CPR education, increasing bystander preparedness, and supporting vital research in heart health and stroke prevention. Through the collective efforts of corporate sponsors, community members, and healthcare professionals, the Coachella Valley can become a beacon of hope and health for individuals facing cardiac emergencies. Join the movement today and take the first step towards becoming a lifesaver in your community.