FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ RTP Chief Operating Officer steps up to save lives

DURHAM, NC, Feb. 23, 2023 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announces that Christine Vannais, chief operating officer, Research Triangle Park (RTP) at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), will serve as chairperson for the Triangle Heart Walk, a campaign aimed at saving and improving lives from heart disease and stroke.

As chairperson of the Triangle Heart Walk, Vannais will lead, encourage and oversee broad, elevated conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation within the Triangle area. Together with a team of regional executives, they will engage local companies and organizations to take part in the Heart Walk, which will be held this fall. Through this initiative, companies will work with the American Heart Association to improve community health while raising funds to support the Association’s 2024 Impact Goal to ensure every resident of the Triangle has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life.

“I am honored to serve as chair of the 2023 Triangle Heart Walk,” said Vannais. “I am passionate about heart health not only because my son Jack is a heart survivor, but because of the work we do at FDB.  As a life sciences company, developing and manufacturing life advancing medicines is at the heart of what we do, and we have been proud supporters of the Triangle Heart Walk for 20 years. I’m eager to work together with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association as we all advocate to make a difference in the well-being of everyone throughout the Triangle community.”

“Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in America,” said Anne Miller, regional executive director, American Heart Association. “Employers have a unique opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of employees by building a culture of health and wellbeing in the workplace and the Heart Walk does that in a fun and unique way.”

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being physically and mentally. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.[1]

For more information about the Triangle Heart Walk and other initiatives such as CycleNation and Field Day or to get your company involved, contact Allison Gubitz at Allison.Gubitz@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Dawn Hall: dawn.hall@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org