Strengthening the Heart of GA program now accepting applications | Health

ATLANTA, GA - News information

WHO/WHAT:  Forty Georgia women living with heart disease will be trained to become volunteer WomenHeart Champions,  who will return to their communities to educate women about heart health and lead patient support networks, thanks to a grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) Foundation. 

WHERE:  Forty women from 10 communities in Georgia will be selected through a state-wide competitive application process to participate in the training program.

The 10 cities chosen based on population size and prevalence of heart disease and risk factors include: Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Johns Creek, Macon, Marietta, Savannah and Valdosta.  .

WHEN/HOW: Women Heart Science & Leadership Symposium February, 17 – 20, 2012 Emory Conference Center Hotel, Atlanta

The application process is now open and continues through December 9, 2011. Visit www.womenheart.org to access the application*. There is no cost to participate in the Symposium.

WHY:  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and women in Georgia die at a rate of 387/100,000 – 9 percent higher than the national average

(1). Currently in Georgia, 27 percent of women have high blood pressure, 47 percent have high cholesterol, 19 percent report smoking, 27 percent are obese, and 60 percent are physically inactive.

(2). “WomenHeart is a one-stop resource for me and for women with heart disease. The support community, both in person and online have provided me a way to become educated, grow in confidence about living with heart disease, help other women heart disease survivors, and be an empowered patient,” said WomenHeart Champion and heart disease survivor Ann Hulett, from Atlanta.

This Symposium is modeled after the nationally renowned WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium held at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and sponsored by WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, which has since 2002 trained nearly 600 WomenHeart Champions and established 100 WomenHeart Support Networks throughout the country. 

PROGRAM PARTNERS: Many national, state and local organizations are working in partnership with WomenHeart to implement this initiative, including Grady Memorial Hospital, Cardiovascular Health Initiative of the Georgia Department of Public Health, Association of Black Cardiologists, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Georgia Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Piedmont Hospital, Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Saint Joseph’s Heart Center for Women, and Wellstar Cardiac Wellness and Rehabilitation.