Southern Tier Heart Walk will raise funds and awareness for heart health this Sunday

On Sunday, people from across the Southern Tier will be traveling to Binghamton University's campus to participate in the annual Southern Tier Heart Walk, which raises money and awareness for heart disease.

This year's event will be chaired by Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, Guthrie president and CEO. The event is organized by the American Heart Association, and has already raised nearly $350,000 of its $375,00 goal.

Held for more than 30 years, over 1,000 people are expected at the walk, according to Sabanegh.

What is the goal of the Southern Tier Heart Walk?

Events like the Heart Walk are essential, Sabanegh said, due to the prevalence of heart disease in the country.

"Heart disease in the number one killer in the United States. Strokes, another form of vascular disease, is the number five killer," said Sabanegh. "What the American Heart Association and all of us are trying to emphasize is that 80 percent of these unfortunate deaths are preventable."

Sabanegh said preventing heart disease begins with controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding negative habits like smoking. Another critical component is CPR instruction, which can save lives.

According to Sabanegh, in the months leading up to the heart walk, five local high schools have received CPR kits, and 17,000 students across 28 schools in Broome and neighboring counties have been trained in CPR.

Sabanegh urged readers to seek out education about hearth health, and if possible, become CPR certified. Money raised by the Heart Walk will also go toward supporting research on treating and preventing heart disease.

Sabanegh, who has taken part in organizing the event in his role as chair, said the wider community was a critical part of raising awareness and organizing a successful event.

"We have got to change this in America, and this event is big for raising both awareness and money," said Sabanegh. "We are really, really appreciative of everyone's support in the community."

2024 Southern Tier Heart Walk: Schedule and parking information

The Heart Walk will be held Sunday, April 28 at Binghamton University.

At 8 a.m. registration will open, the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. While the walk will be held outdoors regardless of weather, visitors are encouraged to visit vendors in the case of rain, who will be present inside the East Gym.

Visitors can park in Lots J1, J2, J3 and J4 in the Innovative Technologies Complex, and walk to the event near the gym.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association website, or the event's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Southern Tier Heart Walk: Binghamton event details, parking info