LEWISTON — The 16th annual Central Maine Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 14, in Lewiston/Auburn, with a satellite walk scheduled in Rumford on the same day.

The walk is a fundraiser and educational event to support the American Heart Association. Last year, this event raised more than $115,000 to support the AHA’s lifesaving research, education and public health efforts in Maine.

Tina Legere, president of Central Maine Medical Center, and Kevin Lewis, chief executive officer of Maine Community Health Options, are the 2014 Heart Walk co-chairs. They have set a goal of raising $160,000 for this year’s event.

“I’m pleased to co-chair the AHA’s 2014 Heart Walk in light of the tremendous work of the American Heart Association and also the incredible need for greater awareness and support for life-saving measures right here in our community,” said Lewis. “The AHA’s investments in education, research and community resources and supports make the difference between life and death, shorten recovery times and improve health outcomes. With my father a recent survivor to a heart attack and having lost both my grandfathers to heart attacks, I’m acutely aware of the risks, and also the rewards of timely intervention. The AHA’s fight for a healthier, more knowledgeable community across all of Maine is a fight that we can all get behind.”

The AHA’s largest event in Lewiston/Auburn, this year’s event will start with a breakfast celebration at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. Walkers will then have a choice of a one-mile or 5K walk along the L/A Trails Riverwalk. Participants will enjoy music as well as kids’ activities and health screenings.

In addition to the Lewiston/Auburn event, a satellite walk is being coordinated in Rumford.

The Heart Walk executive leadership team also includes the following members: Matt Jancovic, Oxford Networks; Susan Keiler, St Mary’s; Lorrie Marquis-Potvin, St. Mary’s; Cindie Rice, CMMC; Jeff Gosselin, Mechanics Savings Bank; Allison Beane, Hilton Garden Inn; Jonathan LaBonte, Androscoggin Land Trust; and Kelly David, Central Maine Orthopaedics.

Additional committee members are needed. For more information about volunteer opportunities or to participate in the event, contact Susan Crandall at 207-879-5700 or visit www.centralmaineheartwalk.org. “Like” the AHA in Maine on Facebook for the latest updates at www.facebook.com/americanheartmaine.