AHA News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The date June 12, 2021, has been designated “American Heart Association Day” with a proclamation issued recently by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Grisham.
On that day, thousands of New Mexicans will come together for the New Mexico Heart Walk, the signature event of the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
“We are moved that the governor chose to honor the New Mexico Heart Walk as a statewide day of celebration in the name of the American Heart Association,” said Sherri Wells, executive director for the AHA in Albuquerque. “The American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and helping New Mexico families and communities thrive for nearly 100 years. Through research and education, we’ve made great strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke. The fact remains that these are still the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of all Americans, and we still have so much work left to do.”
About 200 of every 100,000 people in New Mexico die from heart disease each year. Even one life is too many, said Wells. That’s what makes the New Mexico Heart Walk such an important event for the state.
This year’s walk will be a hybrid experience that allows participants to walk where they are or join one of several interactive community walking paths. Walkers will be able to use their Smartphones to scan codes that will take them to online sites with health information, activities and more. The walk will begin with opening ceremonies on the AHA-New Mexico’s Facebook page, @AHANewMexico.
As in previous years, the event will honor survivors and commemorate lives lost to heart disease and stroke. Participants are encouraged to walk with their families or in teams, including community and corporate teams.
All registered walkers who raise $100 or more will be able to experience the AHA’s Heart Walk Rewards Center and redeem points for Heart Walk gear they can wear year-round.
The New Mexico Heart Walk is presented by Delta Dental and supported by Cumulus and KRQE-TV, Channel 13/New Mexico CW.
To donate, register or for more information, go to NewMexicoHeartWalk.org.
