SMMC Partners with American Heart Association to Start! Walking

For the third consecutive year, Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) has partnered with the American Heart Association on its Start! initiative, a program that calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health through walking. SMMC is one of three cause sponsors in the Kansas City area.

“We understand the importance of changing the lives of our employees and community,” said President & CEO Samuel H. Turner, Sr. “The Start! program is a great opportunity for us to get out and get moving to help raise awareness for America’s number one and three causes of death; heart disease and stroke.”

As a hospital leader and strong supporter of the Start! movement in Kansas City, SMMC is challenging its employees and the community to become more active through a variety of activities, including the Kansas City Heart Walk on May 22. SMMC is also home to the first and only Start! Walking Trail in Kansas City. The path includes a number of stations where walkers can stretch, find their balance and more.