Building Stronger Communities: Sam Holiday's Role in the 2026 Southwest Missouri Heart Walk

During a recent interview with the American Heart Association, Sam emphasized that the Heart Walk is about more than fundraising. It is about education, awareness, and empowering people to take action when it matters most.

One of the event’s primary focuses this year is increasing awareness around sudden cardiac arrest. According to information shared during the interview, nearly 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. Survival rates remain low, making rapid intervention critical.

For Sam, one of the most important messages is the value of hands-only CPR.

His goal is simple: help more people feel confident stepping in during an emergency.

“We don’t want people to be bystanders. We want them to be lifesavers.”

That message resonated personally with Sam, who discussed how learning about hands-only CPR changed his perspective. Like many people, he realized that hesitation and uncertainty can prevent someone from helping in an emergency. Education helps remove those barriers and can make the difference between life and death.

As Heart Walk Chair, Sam has worked alongside American Heart Association staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders to prepare for the event. His role includes promoting participation, raising awareness, and encouraging local organizations to support the mission of improving heart health throughout Southwest Missouri.

When discussing preparations for the walk, Sam shared that organizers are ready regardless of weather conditions and are expecting strong community participation. The event continues to grow as more individuals recognize the importance of heart health education and prevention.

The Heart Walk is one of the American Heart Association’s most recognizable initiatives, with millions of participants taking part in events across the country each year. Beyond the walk itself, the program helps fund research, supports public health initiatives, and promotes lifesaving education in communities nationwide.

At CSC, we are proud to see our team members leading efforts that strengthen the communities we serve.

Whether we are helping clients create safer, more efficient buildings or supporting organizations that improve quality of life, our mission extends beyond systems and technology. It is about people.

Sam’s involvement with the Southwest Missouri Heart Walk reflects the same principles that guide our work every day: leadership, service, education, and a commitment to making a difference.

We are grateful for his dedication to this important cause and proud to support his efforts as Chair of the 2026 Southwest Missouri Heart Walk.

To learn more about the Heart Walk, support the American Heart Association, or participate in future events, visit your local American Heart Association chapter.