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UPMC sets the pace in support of the American Heart Walk

PITTSBURGH, Pa., (October 23, 2003) - Cold temperatures and steady rain could not keep more than 150 Team UPMC members from participating in the 2003 American Heart Association's Heart Walk. On Oct. 4, 2003, they joined more than 3,000 other participants at the North Shore to help support the Heart Association's mission to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease.

Seven UPMC facilities raised more than $40,000 for the Heart Walk—double the amount UPMC collected for last year's Heart Walk. Employees from UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Braddock, UPMC Passavant, UPMC St. Margaret, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and Magee-Womens Hospital helped UPMC achieve a new standard for Heart Walk generosity.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. The American Heart Walk promotes the importance of exercise as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle and raises money for research on the latest treatments for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The American Heart Walk, an American Heart Association national event, brings together more than 750,000 walkers in more than 600 different locations across the United States. In its 11-year history, the American Heart Walk has raised more than $326 million nationally.

Team UPMC is a united effort among all business units in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The Team strives to make an impact on the health of local communities by supporting local charity walks and runs. Team Captains throughout UPMC encourage participation in the events, as well as help register event participants. All UPMC participants receive a Team UPMC T-shirt to wear to each event in which they participate.

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