During this past week, our neighbors in many coastal communities have suffered significant losses from Hurricane Harvey. We know that it will take significant time and care to support communities in this region and we remain committed to being part of the strong collective community contributing to the recovery efforts.

Working together with our city officials and volunteer leaders, we have decided to cancel the Golden Triangle Heart Walkscheduled on September 9^th at The Great Lawn in Beaumont, TX. We encourage all Heart Walk participants to instead join local relief efforts and help one another through this difficult time.

To directly support relief efforts on the ground in Southeast Texas, including the Golden Triangle, the Gulf Coast, Houston and the Coastal Bend, the American Heart Association is contributing a $100,000 cash donation to the Salvation Army. The monies will go directly to frontline support of first responders and those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath.

As the American Heart Association continues to help our neighbors in the aftermath of the storm, we will also continue our mission of building a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Research shows cardiovascular disease patients are among the most vulnerable during a crisis like this. Heart attack rates directly after natural disasters have been known to increase—in the two weeks following Hurricane Sandy, rates increased by 22 percent in impacted areas compared to the same period from the previous five years.  Heart attack-related deaths also increased, as did the incidence of stroke. Funds raised for the American Heart Association support groundbreaking research and community education programs that provide help and hope for millions.

The American Heart Association thanks everyone in the community for helping one another, and our hearts and thoughts are with all who have been affected by Harvey.