NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C., April 9, 2025 — More than 2,500 people recently gathered at the CSRA Heart Walk at SRP Park in North Augusta, raising nearly $450,000 to further the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives.

Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital do not survive—and in most cases, bystander CPR was not performed. This sobering statistic underscores the Heart Walk’s urgent call to action: fundraise, learn CPR and take action to save lives.

In addition to raising critical funds, the CSRA Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, including Open Your Heart honoree Jordan Rice, as well as participants from 37 local companies, to unite in the mission to save lives. Every walker who joined the Heart Walk, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.  

“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite under one common lifesaving mission,” said Executive Director Ansley Howze, American Heart Association CSRA. “Through this year-round initiative, we’re not just raising funds—we’re equipping more people with lifesaving skills and making the CSRA a stronger, healthier place for all. Our vision is for one person in every home to be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us to help take a big step toward that goal.”

Here in the CSRA the top companies based on fundraising include:

  • Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
  • Savannah River Mission Completion
  • Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
  • Piedmont Augusta
  • SRP Federal Credit Union

 “Our team is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause,” said Dr. Sean Alford, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and a member of the CSRA Heart Walk executive leadership team. “It’s inspiring to know that our support will help train more people in CPR and fund research that saves lives. Through this event, we know that we are truly making a difference in our community.”

The CSRA Heart Walk was sponsored by Piedmont Augusta, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, SRP Federal Credit Union and Wellstar MCG Health. To learn more, visit csraheartwalk.org.

Editor’s Note: Photos from the event can be downloaded here. Please give photo credit to the American Heart Association.

 

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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:

Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org