Sonoco executive to lead 2026 Pee Dee Heart Walk and communitywide push for CPR readiness
September 16, 2026
James Harrell joins the American Heart Association in engaging Pee Dee employers to help create a Nation of Lifesavers™
According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, and more than half do not receive bystander CPR. CPR, especially when performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
To help improve cardiac arrest outcomes across the Pee Dee region, James Harrell, president of Global Industrial Paper Packaging (IPP) at Sonoco, will serve as chair of the 2026 Pee Dee Heart Walk, leading a year-round effort to engage businesses and community leaders in raising critical funds, expanding CPR education and supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.
Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premier community campaign, uniting survivors, volunteers, corporate leaders and advocates in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, Heart Walk helps make CPR education more accessible, funds lifesaving research and advances equitable health for all.
Under Harrell’s leadership, executives and organizations throughout the Pee Dee are joining the campaign and helping build a community of lifesavers.
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, and having someone nearby who knows CPR can make all the difference,” said Harrell. “Our goal is to empower more people with the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. Through the Pee Dee Heart Walk, we’re bringing businesses and community members together to create a stronger, healthier region and help save more lives.”
According to the American Heart Association’s CPR Perceptions Survey, confidence in performing CPR continues to grow, yet millions of Americans still do not feel prepared to respond during a cardiac emergency. Expanding access to CPR education remains a critical component of improving survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
“James is a respected leader who understands the importance of investing in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Don Bockoven, American Heart Association, Midlands board chair and CEO of Darling Fibers. “His passion for making a difference and Sonoco’s longstanding commitment to the Pee Dee make him an outstanding chair for this year’s campaign. We look forward to working together to advance our lifesaving mission and make the 2026 Pee Dee Heart Walk a tremendous success.”
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education and training and serves as the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through its Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Association is working to ensure more people are prepared to perform CPR and be a critical link in the chain of survival, with the goal of doubling survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
The 2026 Pee Dee Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center in Florence, South Carolina. Hundreds of participants are expected to gather to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones and support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
Companies interested in participating in the Pee Dee Heart Walk can contact Kristina Osborn at [email protected](opens in new tab). To learn more or register, visit PeeDeeHeartWalk.org(opens in new tab).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org(opens in new tab), Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
