Miami CEO to mobilize business leaders for lifesaving mission

MIAMI, Oct. 31, 2025 — Allyssa Tobitt, CEO of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital will lead the charge to build a community of lifesavers as 2025-2026 American Heart Association Miami-Dade Heart Walk chairperson . Under Tobitt’s leadership, top executives throughout Miami will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.

The American Heart Association, which has been saving lives for more than 100 years, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival [2].

“This year, we honor Eduardo Salinas, M.D. — a beloved physician at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital — whose sudden passing reminds us why the fight against heart disease is so urgent.” said Tobitt. “His life of service to the hospital inspires us to act. Through the Heart Walk, we turn loss into purpose — raising awareness, advancing prevention, and strengthening our community.”

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

“The Heart Walk gives Miami residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community, with bystander CPR” said Marisol Vera, executive director of the American Heart Association, Miami. “With Alyssa at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact on saving lives.”

The 2025 Miami Dade Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Walgreens and locally sponsored by ADP, Almazan Law, Amgen, American AED, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, Bayview Asset Management, Encompass Health, Florida Power & Light Company, HCA Healthcare Florida, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Ryder, Schiller Americas, Inc., UHealth, and Victoria Nursing and Rehabilitation. This campaign will culminate on Saturday, December 13 at loanDepot park, where families, friends and coworkers enjoy activities including health screenings, hands-only CPR demonstrations, photo booths, mini golf and more. Companies interested in participating can contact Anthony.Barroso@heart.org or visit miamidadeheartwalk.org for more information.

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Melissa Solis: Melissa.Solis@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org