Availity CEO Chairs First Coast Heart Walk

Jacksonville, FL — September 12, 2023—Availity, the nation’s largest real-time health information network, was a sponsor of the American Heart Association’s 30^th annual First Coast Heart Walk, Jacksonville’s largest walk for heart health, which took place September 9 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

Fifty-two Availity associates participated in the walk and the company raised more than $47,000 for the cause. Availity CEO Russ Thomas was named Heart Challenge Chair of this year’s event.

“The work of the American Heart Association is critical to the health of our community, and I am honored to serve as the chair of this year’s Heart Challenge,” said Thomas. “Availity is a long-time supporter of the American Heart Association because our strategy of improving healthcare quality for Americans closely align. Funds raised during the Heart Walk will advance education and critical research that is directly helping our First Coast Community to be healthier. Availity is committed to helping advance this lifesaving mission.”

More than 85 local businesses, including Availity, Baptist Health, Brooks Rehabilitation, Florida Blue, HCA Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Miller Electric Company, Jaguars Foundation, Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, UF Health – Jacksonville, as well as 25,000 registrants participated.

The First Coast Heart Walk is the signature event of the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge program. Walkers enjoyed free heart and brain health information, music, activities for the whole family, and more.

Non-profit organizations like the American Heart Association play a critical role in educating the public about heart disease and its risk factors. The American Heart Association also works with partners to promote heart-healthy policies, such as tobacco control measures, and supports research to further our understanding of this complex condition.

The funds raised go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality. Visit www.heart.org/Florida to learn more. 

About Availity

Availity is the trusted partner for organizations seeking to realize the greatest value from clinical, administrative, and financial data. Positioned at the nexus of provider, health plan, and consumer health information, Availity develops scalable, innovative solutions for healthcare data acquisition, standardization, transparency, automation, and exchange among health plans, providers, and technology partners. As one of the nation’s largest health information networks, Availity facilitates billions of clinical, administrative, and financial transactions annually. Our suite of dynamic products, built on a powerful, intelligent platform, enables real-time collaboration for success in a competitive, value-based care environment.

For more information, including an online demonstration, please visit www.availity.com or call 1.800.AVAILITY (282.4548). Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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.  

Contact:

Matt Schlossberg
Director of Public Relations, Availity
630-935-9136
[email protected]