Lee Health: Become a lifesaver – Learn CPR and join us at the Lee County Heart Walk

Lee Health: Become a lifesaver – Learn CPR and join us at the Lee County Heart Walk

Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital do not survive. However, immediate action through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple survival rates. This critical lifesaving skill is a major focus of the American Heart Association’s Lee County Heart Walk, set for Saturday, Dec. 14, at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers.

As chair of the 2024 Lee County Heart Walk, I invite you to join this impactful event. Each year, the Heart Walk brings together companies, families and friends to raise funds for lifesaving research and to increase awareness about the symptoms and prevention of heart disease and stroke.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, so this year, the American Heart Association, through the Lee County Heart Walk, is focused on making CPR training accessible to help bolster bystander preparedness and confidence, which is a great step toward creating a community of lifesavers.

When you sign up for the Lee County Heart Walk at LeeHeartWalk.org, you will gain access to a 90-second Hands-Only CPR demo to refresh your skills. At the Heart Walk on Saturday, Dec. 14, you can practice your Hands-Only CPR skills on a manikin, strengthening your readiness to help.

The year 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association, and it is my honor to serve as the chair of the Lee County Heart Walk during this milestone year. I hope you consider joining us, and I look forward to seeing friends and neighbors from our community and team members from throughout Lee Health at the walk.

Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.