HCA Midwest Sets Kansas City Heart Walk Fundraising Record, Raising More Than $100,000 For Lifesaving Research and Advocacy

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — (Oct. 10, 2024) — HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's largest healthcare provider, proudly announces that the 2024 Kansas City Heart Walk drew nearly 300 company walkers and 46 teams, raising more than $100,000 for lifesaving research and advocacy. The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s largest fundraising initiative. It engages companies to improve the health and well-being of employees while driving efforts to fight against cardiovascular diseases, the number one killer in Kansas City. Belton Regional Medical Center CEO Todd Krass spearheaded regional efforts by rallying fellow corporate leaders and their employees to join the 2024 Heart Walk. 

"HCA Midwest Health is proud to participate and support in the effort to not only raise critical funds but to get our organization and community involved in the Heart Walk and all that it represents,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This year’s event was a tremendous success, and we hope everyone who participated recognizes that together, we helped move the needle toward a world of longer, healthier lives.” 

“The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving work, and to have HCA Midwest Health raise more than $100,000 for the 2024 Kansas City Heart Walk is an incredible achievement,” said Laura Lopez, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Kansas. “These critical funds will make a significant impact on the health of Kansas City. We are grateful for HCA Midwest Health’s passion for our cause – not just during the Heart Walk, but year-round.”

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and bystanders trained, confident, and ready to perform CPR can help save lives in Kansas City,” said Krass. “Through fundraising, community education, and corporate engagement, the Heart Walk enhances CPR training accessibility, bolsters bystander preparedness, increases funding for vital research, and ultimately, saves lives. Training is the first step towards creating a community of lifesavers. The readiness of our community to know CPR could be the difference between life and death of someone we know and love.”

In 2022, HCA Healthcare and the American Heart Association announced a new initiative, Getting to the Heart of Stroke™, developed in conjunction with and supported through $15 million in total funding from HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation. The initiative focuses on preventing, treating, and beating stroke by providing nationwide consumer and healthcare professional education, deepening collaboration between neurology and cardiology, and equitably empowering communities about stroke risk to improve health outcomes.

About HCA Midwest Health

As the Kansas City area's largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet area residents' healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area's largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and a local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion annually. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 600 providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals, and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For more information and interviews, please contact:

Christine Hamele
HCA Midwest Health
Associate Vice President Public Relations and Community Affairs
913-208-5566
christine.hamele@hcamidwest.com

Kimberly Winter Stern
HCA Midwest Health News Bureau
913-449-4294
kimberlyHCAMidwest@sternwrites.com