The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Brooke McCollough, Operations Executive for Adventist Health Lodi Memorial as the Chair of the 209 Heart Challenge for 2022-2023. In this role McCollough has been charged with a $350,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause, and have a lot of fun doing it.
“After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Heart Challenge is more meaningful than ever. Bringing our community together in the name of health and wellness encourages healthy habits that help save and improve lives. I am proud to be a part of this inspiring movement,” said McCollough.
The 209 Heart Challenge culminates with the Modesto Heart and Stroke Walk on Sept. 17 at Modesto Junior College and the Stockton Heart and Stroke Walk on Sept. 24 at University of the Pacific. The Heart and Stroke Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. McCollough is joined by other like-minded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement. The executive committee members include: Brett Diede, Diede Construction; Brian Gini, Collins Electrical Company, Inc.; Kathy Hart; Thomas Soloman, CoSol Commercial Real Estate.
“The members of our Heart Challenge Executive Leadership Team are inspiring and dedicated individuals who are the foundation of our Heart Challenge campaign and our guiding light as we raise vital funds to save lives in the greater valley area. We look forward to celebrating all we have accomplished together at this year’s 209 Heart and Stroke Walks,” said Jessica Gordon Lannom, Executive Director, American Heart Association – Greater Sacramento and Valley Area.
The funds raised at all Heart Challenge events fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting local priority issues. Chronic disease management, nutrition security, and social and emotional well-being have been identified by the American Heart Association Greater Sacramento and Valley Area board for 2023 to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, or to join McCollough and other area executives, visit heart.org/209HeartWalks or contact Jasmine.Kutch@heart.org for more information.
