The Jackson County Heart Walk at Beach Park in Pascagoula helped celebrate 100 years of the American Heart Association (AHA) and its impact on our community. This event brings awareness to ways which we can help be the force behind healthier, happier lives.
Over 50 Ingalls shipbuilders were present, including Premo Sabbatini, Vice President, Central Planning & Process Excellence, who serves as the chair for the Jackson County Heart Walk through the American Heart Association.
The AHA has invested more than $5 billion in research, making it the largest not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research. This same research saved one of our shipbuilders.
In 2020, kitting manager Jennifer Horton was rushed to the shipyard hospital due to her heart rate rising, with no signs of stopping. Dr. Charles McRaney, with nurse help, put an IV in each arm. One arm was injected with medicine to stop Jennifer’s heart, the other injected to restart it.
“I was diagnosed with SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia),” said Jennifer. “I had to have a heart ablation to help correct the problem, and we found out I have A-Fib (Atrial Fibrillation) that can be treated.
Due to AHA’s research, Jennifer was able to find resources to keep her healthy and safe. She wants shipbuilders to know their support benefits AHA’s research with heart disease, and will continue to save lives.
“If it wasn’t for the AHA and the great medical staff in the yard, I’m not sure if I would still be here,” said Jennifer. “I encourage shipbuilders to help AHA advance research, advocate for healthier communities and improve patient care for everyone.
Interested in continuing to take steps to save lives? Join us in September for the 2024 Gulf Coast Heart Walk!
When: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Where: Jones Park | Gulfport, MS
Time: 8:30 AM check-in | 9:30 AM walk begins