Thousands of people across Washington, including Delta Dental of Washington employees, gathered to support the American Heart Association by participating in Heart and Stroke walks in Spokane, Tacoma, and Seattle.
Delta Dental of Washington sponsored each event, provided a healthy snack market, and had employees walk in the Seattle event. The Seattle event was attended by 2,500 people. Hundreds attended the events in Spokane and Tacoma.
Delta Dental’s Heart and Stroke Walk Fruit Stand provided heart-healthy fruits to those participating in the event. At our table, we also had stickers for kids from the Tooth Fairy Experience program, handouts on healthy foods for oral health and heart health, free toothbrushes, and a fun brushing activity for younger participants.
Company and community teams filled the Fisher Green at Seattle Center and enjoyed health and wellness expo, a short stage program and then raised their heart rates on either a 3-mile or a 1-mile walking route through downtown Seattle. Survivors of heart disease and stroke were honored with caps and capes, red for heart disease survivors, white for stroke survivors and superhero capes for young survivors of heart disease and stroke. At the finish line, survivors were invited to ring a heart shaped bell to commemorate their journey.
“We partner with the American Heart Association to elevate awareness about the connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease, invest together in topics that impact both of our health issues such as access to healthy food, and build relationships with other leaders in the health arena,” said Diane Oakes, Chief Mission Officer at Delta Dental of Washington.
Donations further the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission including enhancing CPR training accessibility, bolstering bystander preparedness and increasing funding for vital research. Through the event, walkers also had the opportunity to access CPR education via a CPR Digital Experience where they could learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 seconds. To make a donation to the American Heart Association, visit WashingtonHeartWalk.org.
