GOODYEAR, AZ. July 2, 2025  — 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, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease.  

Ruben Castro, CEO of Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association West Valley Heart Walk Chair to build a community of lifesavers.

According to the American Heart 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]. Castro and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in the West Valley are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The West Valley Heart Walk gives us an opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Trista Loops, Chair of the American Heart Association Greater Phoenix Board of Directors and Health Plan Chief Financial Officer of Arizona Complete Health. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere. Through the Heart Walk, we are raising awareness and enhancing CPR training.”

This year, companies participating in the West Valley 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.

"What motivates me most is the opportunity to bring people together around a cause that matters to every single one of us—our heart health,” said Castro. “As Chair, I’m excited to help expand our reach, engage more organizations, and amplify the importance of prevention. By emphasizing CPR education through this year’s campaign, we’re empowering people to make a difference and step up if a cardiac emergency occurs.”

The 2025 West Valley Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Goodyear Civic Square where nearly 8,000 participants will walk to save lives. It is locally presented by Abrazo Health and Sun Health is the Live Fierce Take Action sponsor. For more information about the West Valley Heart Walk, visit www.westvalleyheartwalk.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:

Satara Tinkler; satara.tinkler@heart.org