Chao
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Los Angeles County, and Derek Chao, MD, chief executive officer of Optum West, is stepping up to support the American Heart Association’s vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere as the chairperson of the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk.
The annual event, which takes place in the fall at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, is the culmination of a yearlong campaign that engages local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the U.S. and globally.
“There is likely not a single person who doesn’t know someone living with cardiovascular disease, so this is a cause we can all contribute to, either through volunteering, fundraising, or donating,” said Dr. Chao. “Together, we can give the gift of health to our loved ones and to our communities. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than enhancing someone’s health and empowering them to enjoy a greater quality of life.”
As the leader of the Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, Dr. Chao will spearhead a team of executives in engaging companies and organizations to take part in the campaign. The goal is to raise $1.5 million for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, and community health and transformation.
This year’s Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, which celebrates the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday, is sponsored by Optum, UCLA Health, Providence, Keck Medicine of USC and Amgen.
HeartWalkLA.org
