The Southeast Michigan American Heart Association has selected Steve Lanier, vice president for research at Wayne State University, to co-chair the 2017 Metro Detroit Heart Walk alongside Michael Cooper, president of Harley Ellis Devereaux. The 24th Heart Walk will take place on May 20 on Wayne State University’s campus in Detroit.
Lanier has been very active with heart health initiatives in southeast Michigan, serving as a spokesperson for 2015’s inaugural goREDTALKS. Additionally, one of the first research grants he received in his career was from the American Heart Association, bringing the relationship full circle. By serving as Metro Detroit Heart Walk Co-Chair, he will be able to further elevate awareness and help raise critical funds for local research and programs.
"I am delighted to serve as co-chair of the 2017 Detroit Heart Walk to be hosted in the heart of Detroit at Wayne State University," said Lanier. "I am excited to rally walkers in this great city to take a stand against heart disease that ultimately will help save lives. Wayne State plays a critical role in improving the health of our community through our important research, caring of patients and training of our students, and I hope many will join us in supporting the efforts of the important mission of the American Heart Association."
Co-chair Cooper brings a local commitment to health and wellness to the role, excited to help increase participation and donations for the Heart Walk. Harley Ellis Devereaux has been recognized as a local fit-friendly company by the AHA for their dedication to health and wellness for employees, meeting standards for a healthy working environment. Joining Lanier as co-chair was an organic fit.
“As an organization, HED has been committed to the well-being of our employees and the greater Detroit community for decades,” said Cooper. “Joining Steve to co-chair the Heart Walk is another step forward in our efforts to bolster the health and welfare of everyone in and around southeast Michigan."
Proceeds from the Metro Detroit Heart Walk go directly to the AHA for cardiovascular research and heart health educational programs, locally and nationwide. During its 24-year history, the Metro Detroit Heart Walk has hosted more than 12,000 attendees annually and raised more than $17 million dollars.
“No matter how physically active a person is, they can participate and benefit from heartwalking,” said Beth Collins, vice president of the Detroit Heart Walk. “We’re so honored to work alongside Steve Lanier and Michael Cooper this year to positively affect our local community.”
About American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or any of our offices around the country.
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the nation's preeminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit research.wayne.edu.
About Harley Ellis Devereaux
Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) designs advance your world. Founded in 1908, we are focused on delivering creative solutions for complex design challenges to clients around the nation and world. As a fully integrated architectural and engineering practice, we build on what we know — asking and resolving questions with imagination and foresight; sharing ideas and knowledge; and engaging in resourceful collaborations. We serve clients in a broad range of markets, including Corporate + Commercial, Healthcare, Higher Education, Pre K-12 Schools and Community Education and Science + Technology with offices in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco. See how we advance your world at www.hed.design and @HED_Corporate.