The Rutherford Heart Walk is This Saturday: The American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is hosting the 2019 Rutherford Walk, a long-time community event that has been instrumental in innovative breakthroughs. Since the inception of the Heart Walk, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have plummeted by 45 percent. Each walker and each donation have helped to transform health statistics into lives saved, but there is more work to be done.?

The walk is among 300 Heart Walks held in communities across the nation. Nearly 1 million people walk each year for a singular mission, to cure heart disease and stroke. This year the Rutherford Heart Walk, sponsored by Vanderbilt Heart, will be held on September 21, 2019 at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic / The Greenway. Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Individuals, teams and companies can sign up in advance at RutherfordHeartWalk.org for the non-competitive, three-mile walk. The event includes family friendly activities, fun fitness demonstrations, health screenings, CPR training, an exciting Kids Zone, and more. Hundreds of Rutherford County area residents are expected to raise their heartrates and funds for the Rutherford County American Heart Association.

Additionally, The American Heart Association is thrilled to announce Murfreesboro resident, Clarence Releford, as this year's honoree for the Rutherford Heart Walk.

Clarence Releford is a survivor of heart disease. He was inspired to visit his doctor for a heart check after a dear friend survived a serious heart attack. Releford learned he, too, had heart disease and as a result, encouraged his immediate circle of friends to see their doctors for wellness visits saving the lives of at least two more. Releford's most important goal in serving as the Rutherford Heart Walk honoree is to continue to spread awareness and education about heart disease and encourage others to get their hearts checked.

For more information or to register for the Rutherford Heart Walk, visit RutherfordHeartWalk.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 nearly a century. Connect with us on?heart.org,?Facebook,?Twitter?or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.?