Heart Hospital President to lead 2026 West Valley Heart Walk

The American Heart Association has named Kimberly Blaha, president and chief administrative officer of Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, as chair of the 2026 West Valley Heart Walk.

In her role as chair, Blaha will lead a regional campaign to engage West Valley business executives, community organizations, and volunteers. The signature initiative raises critical funds for cardiovascular research and public health advocacy while promoting equitable access to heart care and health education across the region.

A central priority for this year’s walk is the American Heart Association’s "Nation of Lifesavers" initiative, an educational campaign focused on increasing the number of bystanders trained in hands-only CPR. According to the association, performing CPR immediately during sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a patient's chances of survival.

“Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, and the outcome often comes down to whether someone nearby knows what to do,” said Jeff Meshey, board chair of the Heart Association Phoenix Division. “We envision at least one person in every household feeling confident to perform CPR.” 

Recent figures from the Heart Association’s 2024 CPR Perceptions Survey show that while approximately 103 million U.S. adults feel confident performing CPR, 61% of adults still lack high confidence to step in during a cardiac crisis.

The 2026 West Valley Heart Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, in Goodyear, bringing together survivors, families, and corporate teams.

Specific venue location and registration details will be released in the coming months.