14-03-2025
North Country CEO takes the helm of area's American Heart Walk
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – A north country CEO is now leading the charge for the area's American Heart Walk.
North Star Health Alliance CEO Rich Duvall will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk chairman. Under Duvall's leadership, top executives throughout the area have united to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds and awareness to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
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I have a deeply personal connection to the mission of the American Heart Association. Both my mother and my wife died unexpectedly from cardiac issues. I'm looking forward to bringing people together for a powerful cause, driving awareness and leading the change with a commitment to heart health and saving lives.
Rich Duvall, North Star Health Alliance CEO
The association has been saving lives for 100 years and has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. Duvall and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in the area are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
The walk helps drive corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Northern New York. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the AHAs Nation of Lifesavers initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on April 12 at Jefferson Community College. Hundreds of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Companies interested in participating can contact Stacy Spaziani at For more information about the Heart Walk, visit
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