Medical City Arlington's CEO steps up to support lifesaving efforts in Tarrant County

Sharn Barbarin leads American Heart Association stroke awareness and prevention efforts in Tarrant County

Fort Worth, October 29, 2024 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke is the second leading cause. LaSharndra “Sharn” Barbarin, CEO of Medical City Arlington, is working with the American Heart Association (AHA), a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Barbarin will serve as chair for the 2025 Tarrant County CycleNation, a fun and engaging stationary bike event to support the fight against stroke. By participating in CycleNation, local companies can help reduce the incidence of stroke in Tarrant County by raising awareness and funds for critical prevention programs. Medical City Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, is proud to be the local sponsor of the AHA’s Together to End Stroke^® initiative.

As CEO, Barbarin provides leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for all aspects of operations, clinical quality and patient experience for Medical City Arlington. Barbarin brings this same vision and expertise to the CycleNation campaign, leading an Executive Leadership Team dedicated to the mission of the Heart Association.

Managing high blood pressure is an important part of preventing heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association provides access to materials that help local community members learn to control their blood pressure at home. As part of her leadership efforts, Barbarin will also spearhead a team of executives recruiting companies and organizations to take part in the new Libraries at Heart initiative in the Arlington Library system. Through the library, community members can access these materials and, in certain situations, check out blood pressure home monitoring technology—just like checking out a book.

“At Medical City Healthcare, we believe in caring like family, for both our community and our colleagues.” said Barbarin. “Our commitment includes supporting efforts to raise awareness and educate the community on important health issues, including those associated with heart health and stroke awareness. I am proud to volunteer with the American Heart Association and serve as the chair for these critical community initiatives.”

The Executive Leadership Team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation. “We are incredibly grateful for these leaders and companies, like Sharn Barbarin and Medical City Healthcare, who are stepping up to move the needle on stroke awareness and prevention,” said Corrie Harris, American Heart Association executive director. “Together, we can save lives and impact our communities right here in our own backyard.”

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable, and the Heart Challenge™ initiative provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for area employers and employees. Comprised of Heart Walk, CycleNation, and Field Day, this Heart Challenge suite of activities and initiatives is designed to help companies positively impact employee health and well-being while uniting them to raise funds to end heart disease and stroke. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events designed to inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get physically active while supporting a great cause, and have fun doing it. For more information about Heart Challenge™ or to get involved in the Arlington area, contact Corrie Harris at Corrie.Harris@heart.org or visit the May 2025 event site online.

Sign up for CycleNation, donate to the cause, or volunteer. Every action counts in the fight against stroke.