Gina Melby leads dozens of local executives to improve community health
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 8, 2024 – Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Gina Melby, aligned with HCA Florida Healthcare, is working with the American Heart Association Palm Beach County to change that. Melby is serving as chairperson for the 2024 Executives with Heart campaign, a fundraising effort among local leaders to engage companies in the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association in the leadup to the 2024 Palm Beach County Heart Walk on November 9.
The American Heart Association is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2024, and the Heart Walk will be an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of lifesaving work.
“When I think about the American Heart Association, I think about my father, who was diagnosed with valvular disease at the age of 26 and went through many open-heart surgeries in his lifetime,” Melby says. “I recently retired as CEO of HCA Florida JFK Hospital after more than 18 years, and I’ve seen firsthand that the changes the American Heart Association is helping communities make to improve individual health are exactly the changes our companies can make to boost the health and well-being of our teams. Getting active, learning to manage high blood pressure, and learning CPR are skills that our workforce needs to have.”
Executives with Heart is an elite group of more than 900 corporate leaders across the United States who are dedicated to eradicating heart disease and stroke. Each member makes a personal impact of $5,000 or more. In 2023, members raised more than $13 million nationwide to support this mission.
“Our Executives with Heart members put their names, personal investment and networks behind this larger mission to help our community members lead longer and healthier lives,” says Stacey Comerford, executive director of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County. “We know that health is not equitable for all people across our country. We have long-standing structures that create barriers to health for many, based on race, geography, and wealth. Having local executives support this work makes me so proud, and I know it compounds the positive impact we can have.”
The 2024 Executives with Heart campaign will lead into the Nov. 9 Palm Beach County Heart Walk at the Meyer Amphitheatre. The Heart Walk is open to all community members, including families, friends and company teams. Sign up now at PalmBeachHeartWalk.org.
For more information about engaging your company with Executives with Heart and the 2024 Palm Beach County Heart Walk, contact Jessie.Brooks@Heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
