Dr. Derek Chao, MD, the CEO of Optum West, is taking a stand against cardiovascular disease as the chairperson of the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk. This annual event, held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, aims to raise awareness and support for the American Heart Association’s mission to advance health and hope for all individuals.
Leading the Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, Dr. Chao will rally executives and organizations to participate in the campaign with the goal of raising $1.5 million for the American Heart Association. Discussions will focus on employee health, corporate engagement, and community health initiatives to drive meaningful change.
Dr. Chao emphasizes the importance of collective action, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or donating, to make a positive impact on the health of individuals and communities. The walk is a culmination of a yearlong campaign that brings together local companies and organizations to combat heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in both the U.S. and worldwide.
Sponsored by Optum, UCLA Health, Providence, Keck Medicine of USC, and Amgen, this year’s Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk coincides with the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary. Dr. Chao’s leadership and dedication to advancing cardiovascular health underscore the significance of coming together to support this important cause. Visit HeartWalkLA.org to learn more about how you can get involved in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
