South Florida leader takes the helm to save lives in Broward County

DAVIE, Fla., Feb. 27, 2025 — Leah Carpenter, Retired-EVP and COO, Memorial Healthcare System, will chair the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk in Broward County. Under Leah’s leadership, top executives throughout South Florida 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 the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.

The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, 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]. Carpenter and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Broward County are prepared to respond effectively in these situations.

“The Heart Walk gives Broward residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Marisol Vera, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Miami/ Fort Lauderdale. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout South Florida. With Leah at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact on saving lives.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in South Florida. 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 to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

“Heart disease and stroke have deeply affected my family. As a nurse with nearly 38 years of experience, I've seen their devastating impact firsthand. We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Carpenter. "By joining the Heart Walk, companies help turn our community into lifesavers, ready to make a difference during cardiac emergencies."

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.

The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on March 9 at Nova Southeastern University, where over 5,000 participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people.

Companies interested in participating can contact Chandra Roberson at chandra.roberson@heart.org. For more information about the Broward Heart Walk, visit BrowardHeartWalk.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, 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