OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 19, 2024 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma City, and Randy Ashcraft, vice president and chief operating officer of Integris Heart Hospital, said in collaboration with the American Heart Association that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma City. It is working. We are changing that with our global power to help everyone live healthier lives. Ashcraft is the chair of 2024 Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local businesses, businesses and employees in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 8 a.m. at Bicentennial Park in Oklahoma City. Ashcraft and the rest of the executive team are nearly halfway through his $500,000 goal.

Both sides of Ashcraft’s family have suffered from heart disease, and he faces risks himself.

“My grandfather suffered a stroke that left him so debilitated that he was unable to care for himself. He required long-term care until he passed away,” the executive said. Ashcraft said she has high blood pressure and high cholesterol and monitors her blood pressure with the help of her primary care physician and cardiologist.

Ms. Ashcraft has previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association-OKC, past President of HeartWalk, and planning committee member for HeartWalk, Heartball, and Go Red for Women of OKC. He said he was especially proud of his leadership role in the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary celebration.^th Year.

“The association’s efforts to support awareness, education, training, and research in the fight against heart disease are essential, especially as Oklahoma consistently ranks high nationally in heart disease mortality and prevalence. ” added Ashcraft. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Oklahoma as one of the five states with the highest death rate from heart disease. In 2021, approximately 264 people per 100,000 people died from heart disease in Oklahoma.

“This walk provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to get involved in the fight against heart disease and provides education at all levels about heart disease and stroke,” he says. “The association has many resources to offer companies on how to engage their employees to change the direction of heart disease.”

“We are extremely grateful to the leaders who are actively working to advance progress on heart disease and stroke,” said Mark Fried, executive director of the association.

American Heart Association-OKC. “Through our various Heart Challenge initiatives, we can make the most impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives here in OKC.”

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for sound public policy in communities across the country. These bold moves are driven by our mission to be a relentless force for living longer, healthier lives. They have transformed our nation’s health and helped significantly reduce death rates from heart disease and stroke. However, these benefits are not shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. The same goes for people from historically underrepresented communities across the country. We are committed to leveraging the power of Bold Hearts™ and science to work tirelessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health, and ensure equitable health in all communities. To swear.

For more information about OKC Heart Walk or to get your company involved, please visit: OKCheartwalk.org

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Media inquiries contact information

Sid King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org