Alachua County Companies Join Heart Walk to Turn Bystanders to Lifesavers

August 23, 2024
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Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates. That is why the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, is broadening efforts to empower companies in Alachua County to become champions of CPR through the annual Heart Walk campaign.

Vaughn Thomas, 2024 Heart Walk Chair and vice president of operations for HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is spearheading efforts in Gainesville. “We want at least one person in every household to learn CPR,” said Thomas. “Imagine the lifesaving impact we could make if every home in Alachua County had a hero in waiting who was confident and ready to act in a cardiac emergency. By engaging more people in Heart Walk we can turn our community of bystanders into a community of lifesavers”.

The Alachua County Heart Walk will take place on September 28 at Celebration Pointe. Activities like CPR demonstrations will start at 8 a.m. and the 5K walk will begin at 9. The Alachua County Heart Walk raises funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. For more information or to register for the Heart Walk visit AlachuaHeartWalk.org.

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