$2 MILLION Raised at 4 Houston-area Heart Walks; Funding to Help Entire Community

HOUSTON, TX -- Thousands of dedicated walkers laced up their sneakers the last two Saturdays for FOUR non-competitive, family-oriented Heart Walks across the region, raising over $2 million to fund the American Heart Association’s mission of building a world of longer, healthier lives.

One week ago on Saturday, November 12, walkers braved the cold at Northshore Park in The Woodlands and on the Kemah Boardwalk. This past Saturday, November 19, walkers braved the cold and rain at the main University of Houston campus in central Houston and the Lone Star College’s University Park campus in Northwest Harris County.

“I'm so proud of our intrepid, enthusiastic walkers who proved their commitment to improving their own health, and the funds they raised proved their commitment to our community’s health as well,” said Mel Edwards, AHA’s Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Greater Houston. “Not even rain and near-freezing temperatures can dim Houstonians’ spirits or dilute their dedication!”

Participants enjoyed music, a kid’s zone, health tips from local nutritionists and medical professionals, hands-only CPR training, and other activities. The walks celebrated heart attack and stroke survivors and inspired the community to join the AHA’s Healthy for Good movement, which encourages eating smart, moving more, and making “being well” a lifelong priority.

The Heart Walks are the signature event of the local AHA’s Heart Challenge program, which helps companies improve employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a suite of customizable workplace events that inspire teams to be more engaged, to reconnect with colleagues, increase physical activity, support a great cause, and have fun doing it.

Walking can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and research shows that walking is beneficial for more than just the heart; it can also lower risk for diabetes and several types of cancer, as well as improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels. Plus, being more active can help people think, feel, and sleep better. Best of all: it can help prevent holiday weight gain from the endless pies, cookies, and treats available at every party and work gathering!

The funds raised from the Heart Walks go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to healthcare access and quality. Visit www2.heart.org to learn more.

FAST FACTS on the 2022 HEART WALKS:

Saturday, November 19:
WHAT/WHERE: Houston Heart Walk at University of Houston, TDECU Stadium, Lot 12A, 3700 Cullen Blvd Houston, TX 77004
CHAIR: Kelly Youngblood, EVP and CFO of MRC Global
SPONSORS:MRC Global, TechnipFMC, HCA Houston Healthcare

WHAT/WHERE: Northwest Harris County Heart Walk at Lone Star College University Park, 20515 TX-249 S, Houston, TX 77070
CHAIR: Paula Harvey, VP of Human Resources for Schulte Building Systems
SPONSORS: Schulte, Allegiance Bank, CHI St. Luke’s, First Community Credit Union, HCA Houston Healthcare, and Village Medical

Saturday, November 12:
WHAT/WHERE: Montgomery County Heart Walk at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
CHAIR: Ben Bentley, EVP of Kiewit Corporation
SPONSORS:Black Pearl Technology, Kiewit Corporation, Epic Piping, MMR, and St. Luke’s Health—The Vintage Hospital

WHAT/WHERE: Bay Area Heart Walk at Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
CHAIR:Casey Rhodes, Responsible Care Director of DOW
SPONSORS: DOW, UTMB, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Merrill Lynch, KANEKA


* Sponsors as of November 1, 2022

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