American Heart Association Hosts Annual Heart and Stroke Walk in Palm Desert

The American Heart Association (AHA) held its annual Heart and Stroke Walk Saturday morning at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, drawing dozens of enthusiastic walkers and supporters. Participants gathered bright and early for the CPR and Healthcare Expo, which kicked off at 8 a.m., offering hands-on demonstrations and life-saving training opportunities.

The event aimed to raise vital funds for cardiovascular research while also expanding CPR knowledge across the community. According to organizers, building a stronger, more prepared network of lifesavers is at the core of the AHA’s mission.

Savannah Mlot, the AHA’s Executive Director for Orange County and the Inland Empire, highlighted the organization’s ambitious goals.

“One of those is building a nation of lifesavers. Our goal is that one person in every household knows hands-only CPR by 2030,” Mlot explained. “Every day we’re out in the community teaching hands-only CPR in businesses, community centers, and schools. We also have programs like CPR in Schools and Kids Heart Challenge, where we’re in elementary and middle schools raising funds for research and teaching kids about healthy lifestyles.

We also have a program called Libraries with Heart, where we’re working on blood pressure numbers in the Coachella Valley. And lastly, we're focused on nutrition security.”

This year’s event was emceed by NBC Palm Springs anchor Olivia Sandusky, who helped rally participants and celebrate the community’s commitment to heart health.

The American Heart Association extends its gratitude to everyone who donated, volunteered, or took part in this morning’s walk—helping make a measurable difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke.