TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona State women’s basketball program today announced the involvement of several organizations that will be participating in its Heart Health Awareness Expo prior to its #KeepTheBeat heart-health awareness game versus the University of Kentucky on Sun., Nov. 15 (3:30 p.m. MT) at Wells Fargo Arena.
The day of activities starts with a blood drive that will be held by United Blood Services from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a Bloodmobile on the east side of Wells Fargo Arena. All those who donate blood will receive a ticket voucher for the game. Donors can register in advance at www.BloodHero.com (enter Sponsor Code: HeartASU).
“United Blood Services is honored to partner with ASU Women’s Basketball to make an impact on and off the court,” said Sid Lewis, Director of Donor Recruitment for United Blood Services. “Blood donors keep hearts beating for patients in 63 hospitals across Arizona.”
At 1:30 p.m., the Sun Devil Arboretum will open for Taste of Tempe, a special food-tasting event in which several restaurants from around the city will be offering free samples of heart healthy food. Restaurants that will be participating include Applebee’s, Boston Market, California Pizza Kitchen, Original ChopShop Co., Delice Bistro, The Dhaba, Grimaldi’s, Hazelrock Coffee & Sweets, Opa Life Greek Cafe, Outback Steak House, Pita Pit, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, RA Sushi Bar, Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream and Z’Tejas.
Doors to Wells Fargo Arena will open one hour before game time at 2:30 p.m., at which time fans attending the game will be able to tour the concourse area where local organizations will have representatives who will be on hand to offer advice and various tests and screenings.
The organizations include: American Heart Association, Halle Heart Children’s Museum, Harc Human Services, Abrazo Community Health Network, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Latina Stong, Sun Devil Fitness Complex and the College of Health Solutions. Activities that will be taking place on the concourse are BMI testing, blood pressure and heart rate tests, cholesterol screening, CPR training and education on staying active and fit in order to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Sarika Desai of Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute Arrowhead will also be on site to offer counseling on heart health awareness. A strong proponent of educating the community about cardiovascular health, Dr. Desai is a non-invasive cardiologist who also serves as the State Chair for the AZ ACC Women in Cardiology Chapter. “I make it a priority to venture into our community and educate people about heart health,” Dr. Desai said. “It is amazing how little people know about the No. 1 killer in the United States. I think education is paramount no matter what your age. Even young adults need to know what the risk factors are. Doing a risk factor assessment is an important first step for people to know if they might be at risk of a cardiac ailment.”
Tickets for the game are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
The Sun Devils return nine players, including four starters – senior guards Katie Hempen and Elisha Davis and junior posts Sophie Brunner and Kelsey Moos – from last year’s team that finished with 29 wins (second-highest total in team history) and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Brunner (Pan American Games – silver medal) and Hempen (World University Games – gold medal) both earned medals in July while competing for USA Basketball. Also earning a medal was junior post Quinn Dornstauder (Canada), who brought back a silver medal from the World University Games.