Local executive champions heart health through American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Walk campaign
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 28, 2025 – Ken West is on a mission alongside the American Heart Association. The HCA Florida JFK Hospital CEO and 2025 Palm Beach County Heart Walk chairperson is passionate about the lifesaving power of CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and wants all Palm Beach County residents to learn about both.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. An estimated 1 in 10 survive. Hands-Only CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
“The Heart Walk gives Palm Beach County residents an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death hinges on the quick actions of the people around us,” said West. “Through the Heart Walk, we are raising research dollars, improving heart health awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a community of lifesavers. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this campaign.”
West, along with local executives, is rallying area residents and companies to raise funds for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving research. Also, they are leading action-oriented conversations about improving health community-wide, starting within their companies.
The campaign will culminate in the Nov. 8 Heart Walk at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. The annual event brings families, friends and coworkers together for heart-healthy activities and a 3.1-mile walk along the water.
The Palm Beach County Heart Walk provides resources, tools and activities to help community members improve their physical and mental well-being, and lower their risk of heart disease and stroke.
To start your own team or to start conversations at your company about heart health and CPR training, contact Jessie.Brooks@heart.org or visit PalmBeachHeartWalk.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
