Phil Buffington to chair 2021 Metro Jackson Heart Walk

The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named Phil Buffington, Partner of Adams and Reese, LLP, as chair of the 2021 Metro Jackson Heart Walk. In this role, Buffington is focused on driving equitable health for every member of our community, with a special focus on raising critical funds to support the lifesaving work of the organization.  

“I believe everyone has an obligation to try and help make their community a better place,” said Buffington. “I have always been involved in the community and feel a personal obligation to help improve the lives of others. I’m looking forward to bringing the tri-county area together in a unifying environment to support the worthy cause of the AHA.” 

Buffington has a lengthy personal history with heart disease. Four of his immediate family members have been affected by heart disease stroke, including his maternal and paternal grandfathers, who both died of heart-related issues; his sister Sharon, who had a heart attack and ultimately passed away; and his mother, Gwin, who had a stroke in 2019 and has been able to recover.

Buffington will lead a months-long campaign, culminating in the 28th annual Metro Jackson Heart Walk, to be held on Nov. 13, 2021, at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The Metro Jackson Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating progress toward equitable health and honoring survivors of heart disease and stroke. Buffington has coordinated Adams and Reese’s involvement in past Metro Jackson Heart Walks, Heart Balls, and Go Red For Women Luncheons. His daughter, Avery Buffington Truitt, has donated her works of art for the Metro Jackson Heart Ball.

“We are thrilled to have Phil’s experience, conviction and passion to help raise critical funds to advance the science and the policies that will lead to longer, healthier lives for all,” said Jennifer Hopping, Executive Director for the Metro Jackson American Heart Association.

The dollars raised by the Metro Jackson Heart Walk campaign fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Mississippi. The Heart Walk propels the American Heart Association towards its 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

Buffington is working with a committee of volunteer leaders on the campaign, which aims to raise $250,000. The volunteers include: Addy Keith of Community Bank, Andrew Lester and Rodney Grogan of MMC Materials, Bobby Morgan of Atmos Energy, Bridget Galatas of Molina Healthcare of Jackson, Inc., Candie Simmons of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gerard Gibert of SuperTalk, Hunter Lipscomb of AnderCorp, Jennifer Hall of Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association, Megan McKinnie of BKD CPAs & Advisors and Robert Leard of Regions Bank.

To learn more about the Metro Jackson Heart Walk, visit metrojacksonheartwalk.org, or contact Whitney Morehead at [email protected] for more information.