Media Release

​This press release put out at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In recognition of World Heart Day, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County is hosting a 5K Walk/Run beginning at 9 a.m., on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Fred Cone Park (2841 E. University Avenue, Gainesville). Registration is now open for this inaugural event. World Heart Day will become an annual event in Florida to focus attention on the fact that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death.

The department also partnered with community organizations to host “Hands-Only™ CPR” trainings on September 19, during the Alachua Count Prepares Festival.  On September 29, all high school students in Alachua County will be shown a brief video during morning announcements promoting Hands-Only CPR.

Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Administrator Paul Myers said, “In order to make these events a success, we encourage all Floridians to not only register, but also invite loved ones to participate. Help the department make Florida a safer, healthier, more heart-healthy environment.”

Register for the Inaugural 5K Walk/Run online.

World Heart Day is celebrated in collaboration with Healthiest Weight Florida, and Tobacco Free Florida. The Florida Department of Health suggests that when posting on social media, use the hashtag #FLHearts.

Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.

Visit the Healthiest Weight Florida website for more information about how to be active and make nutritious food choices.

Tobacco Free Florida is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Tobacco Free Florida is managed by the Florida Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. Smokers and smokeless tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to use one of the 3 Free & Easy Ways to Quit. To learn about Tobacco Free Florida and the state’s free cessation resources, visit the Tobacco Free Florida website, or follow the campaign on Facebook or Twitter.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health website, or contact Kourtney Oliver at 352-334-8889 or Kourtney.Oliver@flhealth.gov.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow the Florida Department of Health on Twitter and on Facebook.