Chicago companies join movement to turn bystanders to lifesavers
Chicago, IL May 30, 2024— Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates. That is why the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, will broaden efforts to drive CPR education in Chicago through the annual Heart Walk campaign. The Heart Walk is the Association’s largest community facing initiative that raises funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Recognizing that June 1-7 marks National CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week, the expansion of this lifesaving initiative will empower companies in Chicago to become champions of CPR.
Sarah Casalan Bittle, 2024 Heart Walk Chair and President of The UPS Store, Inc., will spearhead efforts in Chicago by rallying fellow corporate leaders and their employees to join the 2024 Heart Walk. "With the expansive reach of the Heart Walk, we have a unique opportunity to solve a big problem right here in our community,” said Casalan Bittle. “There is a clear correlation between a history of cardiovascular events and an increased risk of cardiac arrest. This goes beyond data for me and hits close to home. As a survivor of a massive heart attack, I understand that the line between life and death is more tenuous than we could ever imagine. After my heart event, it was important to me to develop a plan with my children to ensure that they learn hands-only CPR and know how to act in a case of emergency. Everyone should have access to life-saving education to be there for their family, neighbors, and coworkers. This critical need for emergency response planning and training is just one of the many reasons why I am serving as the 2024 Chicago Heart Challenge Chair,” continued Casalan Bittle.
Implemented in over 220 cities nationwide, the year-round Heart Walk campaign engages companies to improve health and well-being of employees while driving efforts to fight against cardiovascular diseases, the no. 1 killer in Chicago. Now, participating companies not only contribute to the fight against heart disease and stroke but also will help drive the organization-wide Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Association’s most recent commitment to CPR with the declaration to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030.
For more than six decades, the American Heart Association has led the way as the global leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and as the official publisher of the guidelines for CPR. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The multi-year initiative supports CPR education, extends AED use and engages employers, policymakers, philanthropists and others to increase the chain of survival. The long-term goal is to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR.
The Chicago Heart Walk will take place on Friday, September 20th, 2024. Companies interested in participating can contact the Chicago Heart Walk team at: chicago.heartchallenge@heart.org. For more information about the CITY Heart Walk visit this link.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Erin Kesler erin.kesler@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
