Lone Star College-University Park marks 11 years as the host of the AHA Northwest Harris County Heart Walk

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) invites the community to grab their favorite walking shoes and join the American Heart Association’s Northwest Harris County Heart Walk on Saturday, October 17. This year marks the college’s 11^th consecutive year as the host location for the event.

The three-mile walk or run is intended to raise awareness of heart disease and support the event’s $200,000 fundraising goal.

For many participants, including LSC-University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., the Heart Walk carries a deeper significance.

“The Northwest Harris County Heart Walk is more than just a great event that brings our community together. For me, it’s personal,” Dempsey said. “My father, Dave Dempsey, survived a heart attack in 2018 because people nearby were trained in CPR and knew how to keep him alive until he could receive medical care. Research and medicine have since given our family more years with him, and every step honors those efforts and my gratitude that my dad is still with us."

Community members are encouraged to bring their friends, families, and pets, and enjoy a morning of activities for all ages. The event will feature face painting, a Kids’ Corner game section, CPR demonstrations, and costume contests for children and pets. The Klein Oak High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard will present colors during the opening ceremony.

The Expo festivities will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk will start at 9 a.m. at LSC-University Park’s Energy and Manufacturing Institute parking lot, 11521 Compaq Center Drive, Houston, TX 77070. The walk will take place rain or shine. Parking is free in Garage 9 (Compaq Center Way) and Garage 10 (Noble Energy Way).

For more information or to donate, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UP-HeartWalk.