Atlanta Community is encouraged to join Atlanta’s largest event dedicated to funding lifesaving research for heart health
More than 7,500 Metro Atlanta residents are expected to raise their heart rates, awareness, and funds for the American Heart Association’s Greater Atlanta Heart Walk.
On Saturday, September 10 at 8 a.m., Greater Atlanta Heart Walk participants and teams are invited to The Battery Atlanta to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds, and encourage physical activity.
Social determinants of health have a significant impact on risk and results of
illness, leading to shorter and less healthy lives in Atlanta. Having access to fewer resources, such as quality healthcare and healthy foods, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, risk factors and outcomes. In Fulton County alone, 56.3% adults have died from cardiovascular disease*.
The Greater Atlanta Heart Walk provides an opportunity for the community at-large to come together to collectively join forces to change the story of heart disease and stroke in Atlanta, the place we all call home. Those who walk are joining a movement to fund research that keeps hearts beating. The American Heart Association of Metro Atlanta is calling on Atlanta’s communities to take a step towards better health.
“We are so grateful to everyone that makes the decision to join us at Heart Walk, instantly joining a community of countless others that are taking a stand to attack the number one killer of men and women – heart disease. Families are depending on us and the funds we raise, keeps hearts beating and saves lives!” said Carla Smith, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Metro Atlanta American Heart Association.
Each time someone laces up their shoes or forms a team to participate in the Heart Walk they are instrumental in innovative breakthroughs. Every donation helps create new technologies such as the artificial heart valve, cholesterol drugs, stents and the mechanical heart pump which helps extend the life of patients.
“The American Heart Association has carved a place in the history of health by saying yes to progressing lifesaving science,” said Marcus Brown, MD, An interventional cardiologist with Northside Hospital and Metro Atlanta American Heart Association Board President. “The science of how we respond to heart disease and stroke has progressed tremendously because of the evidence-based research being ignited by the AHA. With a new generation lacing up their shoes to participate in the Heart Walk, I am excited to see the big solutions to come.”
Now, more than ever, it’s important to find new ways to boost physical and emotional health. The Greater Atlanta Heart Walk is a great way to keep up healthy habits, stay socially connected and keep up with physical activity while making an impact in your community and saving lives.
The Greater Atlanta Heart Walk is sponsored by Comcast Business, the Platform sponsor, Signature sponsors ADP, Wellstar Health System, Northside Hospital in addition to Southern Company, Emory Healthcare, Home Depot, SA White Oil Company, and Burns and McDonnell. This year’s event is chaired by Jeff Buzzelli, Senior Vice President of Comcast Business.
“Comcast has a long history of community service and we are committed to creating a healthy and happy workforce focused on employee and customer health,” said Buzzelli. “Our work has the greatest impact when we come together, and I look forward to furthering the AHA’s mission and encouraging lasting change that leads to a stronger and heart-healthy Atlanta.”
The Greater Atlanta Heart Walk is among over 300 Heart Walks held in communities across the nation. Nearly one million people walk each year walk for a singular mission, to cure heart disease and stroke. This year the Greater Atlanta Heart Walk will feature live music, sponsor giveaways, healthy snacks, a special tribute area and more. To join us and make an impact, register online at GreaterAtlantaHeartWalk.org.
Leave a comment