In Orlando, the American Heart Association (AHA) is leading a powerful movement to improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities—one that’s rooted in science, driven by community, and focused on impact.
At the core of this mission is a commitment to health equity. Thanks to a grant from the CVS Health Foundation, the AHA is expanding maternal health resources across Central Florida. This initiative supports new moms with education, access to care, and tools to manage blood pressure and heart health during and after pregnancy—addressing a critical gap in maternal outcomes and helping families thrive from the start.
But maternal health is just one part of a broader strategy. The AHA’s work in Orlando spans CPR education, stroke care improvements, nutrition access, and chronic disease prevention—reaching thousands of residents through schools, workplaces, clinics, and community centers.
The Greater Orlando Heart Walk: A Community in Motion
One of the region’s most visible expressions of this mission is the Greater Orlando Heart Walk, held annually at UCF’s Memory Mall. More than a fundraiser, it’s a rallying point for survivors, families, healthcare workers, and corporate teams united by a shared goal: longer, healthier lives.
In 2023, over 15,000 walkers raised $1 million. In 2024, participation surged to 18,000, with more than $1.3 million raised to fund local programs and national research. The event featured CPR demos, survivor tributes, wellness resources, and high-energy warmups—all reinforcing the message that heart health starts with community action.
The 2025 Heart Walk returns on Saturday, December 6, with a renewed call to walk in honor of loved ones, in celebration of survivorship, or simply in support of a world free from heart disease and stroke.
Every step counts. Every story matters.
Sign up at HeartWalk.org/Orlando
Go Red for Women: Elevating Women’s Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet awareness and research have historically lagged. The AHA’s Go Red for Women movement is changing that—empowering women to take charge of their heart health and advocating for gender-specific research and care.
In Orlando, Go Red initiatives include educational events, workplace wellness programs, and survivor storytelling campaigns that spotlight the unique risks women face. The movement also intersects with the CVS Health Foundation’s maternal health work, creating a continuum of care that supports women through every stage of life.
Executives with Heart: Leading by Example
Behind the scenes, a group of influential local leaders is helping drive the AHA’s mission forward. The Executives with Heart campaign mobilizes business leaders to fundraise, advocate, and activate their networks for good.
The 2025 cohort includes:
Chris Mueller, Samuel Stamps, Jon Reitz, Aaron Johnson, Matt Kapusta, Miriam Ganesh, Tom Langer, Michael Mewhirter, Bora Erbilen, Tony Blankson, Wendy Brandon, Sim Choy, Yanet Herrero, and Vonda Sexton
Their leadership reflects the power of cross-sector collaboration in advancing public health.
Corporate Commitment, Community Impact
The AHA’s work in Orlando is amplified by strong partnerships with local businesses and healthcare systems. Sponsors like CVS Health, Walgreens, AdventHealth, HCA Florida Healthcare, Brooks Rehabilitation, and Orlando Health are investing in community wellness, health equity, and prevention.
These partnerships help fund mobile health clinics, CPR training, nutrition programs, and more—ensuring that lifesaving resources reach the people who need them most.
The Orlando Heart Ball: Celebrating Progress, Fueling Change
Each spring, the Orlando Heart Ball brings together philanthropists, healthcare leaders, and advocates for an evening of celebration and purpose. The event honors local changemakers, shares powerful survivor stories, and raises critical funds for research and community programs.
More than a gala, the Heart Ball is a catalyst for change—reminding attendees that behind every statistic is a life, a family, and a future worth fighting for.
One Mission, Many Voices
Whether through a walk, a grant, a gala, or a grassroots initiative, the American Heart Association is building a healthier Orlando—one partnership, one program, and one heartbeat at a time.
Join the movement. Save lives.
Visit Heart.org to learn more, get involved, or support the mission.
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