JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 20, 2025 — Nearly 30,000 people gathered at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on October 4 for the 2025 First Coast Heart Walk, raising more than $1.1 million to support the mission of the American Heart Association, a relentless force for changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere.

This year’s Heart Walk focused on empowering the community to learn Hands-Only CPR and building a community of lifesavers; inspiring at least one person in every household to be prepared and confident to perform CPR.

Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States, and nine out of 10 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die. However, CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

“The First Coast Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community in support of a cause that impacts so many lives,” said Caitlin Brunell, executive director for the American Heart Association, First Coast. “This event helps fund lifesaving research, increases CPR education and training and saves lives. Thanks to the invaluable support of our community, we’re making the First Coast a healthier place for everyone.”

Reed Hammond, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, served as the chairperson for this year’s Heart Walk. Participants took part in either a three-mile walk route or a one-mile survivor loop and enjoyed a festival area featuring tents hosted by various local sponsors.

The event also included a warm-up with BOARD30 Ponte Vedra, a national anthem performance by Violette Lani and Iris Andie and a presentation of the colors by the Paxton Army JROTC Color Guard. News4Jax Anchor Joy Purdy and Easy 102.9 Host Matt Ray served as the event’s co-emcees. For the first time , the event featured a dynamic digital board, which enhanced the participants' experience and allowed for engaging content throughout the day.

This year’s top fundraising company was HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, followed by Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Johnson & Johnson Vision and UF Health Jacksonville. Walgreens is the national sponsor of Nation of Lifesavers, HCA Florida Healthcare is the local sponsor of Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ and Florida Blue is the local Live Fierce. Life is Why. sponsor. The First Coast Heart Walk was also sponsored by 75 companies on the First Coast, including:

  • Ascension St. Vincent’s
  • Baptist Health
  • Brooks Rehabilitation
  • Fickling Construction
  • GuideWell Source Family of Companies
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Mayo Clinic in Florida
  • ASM Global
  • Auld & White Constructors
  • CSX
  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • Fidelity National Financial
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville
  • JM Family Enterprises Inc.
  • Miller Electric Company
  • PRI Productions
  • Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital Jacksonville
  • Southeastern Grocers
  • Sporting Club Jacksonville
  • Superior Construction
  • The Suddath Companies
  • Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
  • UF Health Jacksonville
  • UNF MedNexus
  • Cox Media Group
  • Norsan Media
  • WJXT

“We have immense gratitude for the generous and passionate event leadership, sponsors, survivors and community members who came out and walked with us,” Brunell said. “Their stewardship of our mission means the world to us, and we are proud to make a difference alongside them.”

To donate or learn more about the First Coast Heart Walk, visit www.firstcoastheartwalk.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

Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org