The American Heart Association has named Jaime Hynoski, community relations and event management specialist at Weis Markets, as chair of the 2021 Capital Region Heart Challenge campaign. In this role, Hynoski is charged with a $575,000 fundraising goal to support the work of the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association's Heart Challenge is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employees' overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events intended to inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, make time for physical activity, and support the American Heart Association's cause.

The Capital Region Heart Challenge will culminate with the Capital Region Heart Walk on Sunday, Sept. 19, at Harrisburg City Island. The Heart Walk will be chaired by Emily Bumgarner, registered dietitian for Weis Markets. The Heart Walk will unite the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Hynoski and Bumgarner will be joined by other like-minded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout, and promote community engagement.

The executive committee members include John Hickey, UPMC Health Plan; John Rampulla, Deloitte Consulting; Art Pursel, Deloitte Consulting; Josh Hocker, Orrstown Bank; Greg Weldon, TE Connectivity; Ursula Siverling, McNees Wallace and Nurick; and Jessica Kazmaier, Rite Aid Corporation.

The funds raised at the Heart Walk and all Heart Challenge events fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in the Harrisburg area. Improving blood pressure management, reducing food insecurity, and stopping youth vaping have been identified by the American Heart Association's Capital Region board as priorities to propel work to support the association's 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal to reduce barriers to health care access and quality.

To learn more about engaging a workforce in Heart Challenge events or to register for the Heart Walk, visit http://www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk or contact Ann Shields at ann.shields@heart.org for more information.