Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the Greater Baton Rouge area and Matthew Valliere, CEO of CareSouth Medical and Dental, is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association to change that. Valliere will serve as chairperson for the 2024 Capital Area Heart Walk and lead this community event focused on engaging local companies, corporations, and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
The 2024 Capital Area Heart Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on April 6 at Rhorer Plaza in Downtown Baton Rouge. At 8 a.m., there will be family activities, hands-only CPR demos, healthy snacks, music, giveaways, and more.
As chair of the 2024 Heart Walk, Valliere will lead a team of 13 Baton Rouge area executives to recruit companies and organizations in raising $750,000. Through this event, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association, while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health, and community transformation. The executive committee members include:
-Cheri Johnson - Women’s Hospital
-Dean Beeson - First Horizon
-Kase Gonzales - Higginbotham
-Raneesha Ford - Baton Rouge General Pharmacy
-Patrick Bull - Cintas
-Tre’ Nelson - Ochsner Health
-Ryan Landry - Our Lady of the Lake
-Tasha Bergeron - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
-Ron Sancho - Cardio Health Solutions
-Roman Banks - Southern University Athletics
-Derrick Smith - Luxury Lawn Care
-Danielle Kelley - Jumpstart Your Heart
"Prioritizing a workplace culture that values and supports the well-being of our staff is important to me and our company. But even more so because heart disease and stroke have impacted a number of my family and friends,” said Valliere. “By serving as the chairperson for the Capital Area Heart Walk, I am able to empower others to improve their quality of life, while also uniting individuals, businesses, and organizations to further community action in tackling heart disease. This dual focus on personal well-being and community solidarity underscores the transformative impact that can be achieved when we come together for a common cause.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Matthew and the Heart Walk executive committee leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Kerin Spears, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Louisiana. “Through the Heart Walk, we are able to drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Capital Area.”
For more information about the Heart Walk, or to get your company involved, contact AHABatonRouge@heart.org or visit the website at www.CapitalAreaHeartWalk.org