Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leader in first aid supplies and automated external defibrillator (AED) programs, today announced it has teamed up with the American Heart Association (AHA) for Heart Walks & Runs this year. Since its first event in March, Cintas has raised $74,000 towards its total donation goal of $100,000. The upcoming events are highlighted in the 2012 Heart Walk calendar from Cintas, the largest nationwide provider of AHA training courses and programs. More than 1,000 Cintas partners throughout the country are expected to participate in the events.

"Deaths from heart disease total more than 500,000 per year, making it the leading cause of death in the U.S.," said Jennifer Hauck, Executive Director, AHA Cincinnati Metro. "With the support of companies like Cintas, we are able to raise awareness of heart disease, its risks and the impact that a healthy lifestyle can have on individuals."

The 2012 Heart Walk & Run schedule includes:

  • May 1 - Philadelphia, Pa., Citizen's Bank Park
  • May 12 - Detroit, Mich., Ford Field
  • June 2 - Denver, Colo., Denver Performing Arts Complex
  • Sept. 8 - Dallas, Texas, Victory Plaza/American Airlines Center
  • Sept. 22 - Atlanta, Ga., Atlantic Station
  • Sept. 22 - Charlotte, N.C., Center City
  • Sept. 23 - Palatine, Ill., Harper College
  • Oct. 20 - Baltimore, Md., Rash Field
  • Nov. 3 - Houston, Texas, Sam Houston Park
  • Nov. 10 - Orange County, Calif., Orange County Great Park

According to the AHA, the costs associated with heart disease are expected to triple by 2030. Heart Walks and Runs provide the primary source of fundraising money for the AHA. The majority of donations go toward research and community education. Last year, Cintas raised more than $70,000 for the cause. By sharing life-saving information, incidents of heart disease will decrease, which helps limit direct and indirect costs of the disease.

"We're thrilled to be working with the AHA again to support this worthwhile cause," said Scott Garula, President and COO, First Aid & Safety, Cintas. "We hope to inspire others to make healthy choices and reduce preventable deaths."

AEDs, such as the ReviveR™ View AED unit from Cintas, help increase survival rates for individuals who experience a heart stoppage. The comprehensive AED program is focused on all aspects of emergency response. It provides AED units, CPR and AED training, site assessment by a health and safety expert and periodic maintenance of the unit to ensure it is in proper working order.

For more information about the upcoming Heart Walks & Runs or the ReviveR AED program from Cintas, please visit http://www.cintas.com/reviversurvivor/.

About Cintas Corporation

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 900,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

Mulberry Marketing Communications
Andi Vance, 513-762-5549
avance@mulberrymc.com