Medline and its employees raise funds to combat heart disease and stroke

Even a pandemic could not stop Medline employees from coming together yet again this year to support the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual heart walk on Sept. 18 and 19. But this year’s virtual event had an added benefit: in addition to raising money to fight heart disease and stroke, Medline offered to give away up to 1,000 reusable facemasks for donations made during AHA’s rally Sept. 9.

From the rally alone, AHA received 1,012 donations totaling $61,000. As a result, Medline will be donating 1,000 reusable masks to a Chicagoland community that has been hard hit by COVID-19.

“People felt as though they made double the impact because not only were they able to support patients impacted by heart disease and stroke but also communities impacted by COVID-19,” said Karen Frey, senior philanthropy manager at Medline.

Heart disease and stroke are the number one and number five leading causes of death, and in the time of COVID-19, patients with heart disease face an even greater risk. According to the World Heart Federation, these patients are more vulnerable to the new coronavirus, but may also be afraid to seek ongoing care.

“This pandemic shows us that awareness and support of patients with heart disease is still much needed. That’s why we remain committed to supporting the AHA and its mission throughout these difficult times, and encourage our employees to do the same,” said Frey.

This is the 7th year the company has taken part in the AHA’s heart walk campaign, and the first of its kind to go virtual. In previous years, Medline hosted heart walks at its headquarters in Northfield, Illinois. To date, Medline and its employees have raised more than $600,000 in support of the AHA mission.

 Learn more about how Medline is supporting communities in need.