Join The Nation Of Lifesavers: The Delaware Heart Walk Is A Call To Action
Wilmington Heart Walk: September 7th Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
Southern Delaware Heart Walk: November 2nd Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
When cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts—and the difference between life and death can be the action of a bystander. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates.
That is why the American Heart Association is broadening efforts to drive CPR & AED education at the community level through the Heart Walk® campaign. Heart Walk is the Association’s largest community-based activation — engaging more than 220 cities nationwide — including Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.
Through the collective efforts of corporate and community participants, critical funds are raised to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training while promoting equitable health for all people.
The year-round Heart Walk campaign engages companies to improve the health and well-being of their employees while driving efforts to fight against cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer in the nation. Now, participating companies will not only contribute to the fight against heart disease and stroke but also will help drive the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement.
The movement represents the Association’s latest investment and commitment to CPR awareness and education. The Association has set a goal to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. In Delaware, that mission is being led by passionate healthcare professionals and community advocates determined to create lasting impact.
In Northern Delaware, Dustin McFarland, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown, is serving as chair of the Wilmington Heart Walk. Under his leadership, corporate leaders across the region are mobilizing to promote CPR training, stroke awareness, and equitable health education. “We envision a future where there is someone in every household ready and able to respond in a cardiac emergency,” said McFarland. “By joining the Heart Walk, you’re helping build the Nation of Lifesavers—right here in Delaware.”
Meanwhile, in Southern Delaware, Ben Collins, senior director of operations for Bayhealth’s Cardiovascular Service Line, and Sarah Neely-Collins, oncology nurse practitioner at Bayhealth, are bringing both their clinical expertise and deep community commitment to their roles as co-chairs of the Southern Delaware Heart Walk. “We’re not just walking,” said Ben Collins. “We’re preparing our neighbors, coworkers, and families to act when lives are on the line.”
The Heart Walk is more than a fundraising event. It’s a year-round campaign that culminates in two powerful gatherings. The Wilmington Heart Walk will take place on September 7 at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, and the Southern Delaware Heart Walk will follow on November 2 at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Together, thousands will walk—not only to honor loved ones lost and celebrate survivors, but to take action and raise critical funds for CPR education, lifesaving research, and community health programs.
This year’s Heart Walks are a key part of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a bold campaign to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. When companies, organizations, and individuals join the Heart Walk, they are investing in a stronger, safer Delaware—where more people know CPR, more lives are saved, and more families stay whole.
“I walk to save lives,” says Sarah Neely-Collins. “As healthcare providers and parents, we know that knowledge is power—and CPR is the power to save a life.”
Join us. Walk with purpose. Lead with heart.
To register or learn more, visit www.heart.org/wilmingtonwalk or www.heart.org/southerndewalk. For corporate teams or sponsorship opportunities, contact Laura Loro at [email protected].
This is your moment to take action. Become part of the Nation of Lifesavers—and help turn bystanders into lifesavers across Delaware.
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