American Heart Association Asks: Do 500,000 Women Really Have To Die Each Year?

Floral Tribute Kicks-Off "Each One Reach One" Campaign

When: 11:00 a.m. ET, September 9, 1997

Where: National Mall -- in front of the U.S. Capitol between 3rd and 4th Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.

What: News announcement and ceremony to launch the American Heart Association's three-year national educational campaign targeting women and their risk for heart disease and stroke. A major component will be the action-oriented "Each One Reach One" program, to encourage each woman to reach out to another woman with information about the steps women should take to reduce their risks for cardiovascular disease. At the event we will:

• Announce the results of a new American Heart Association survey revealing only 8 percent of American women are aware that their No. 1 killer is heart disease & stroke.
• Release the American Heart Association's recently revised scientific statement on women and cardiovascular disease.
• Launch the AHA's three-year national educational campaign with a demonstration of the "Each One Reach One" battle cry.

Photo and Interview Opportunities:

• AHA volunteer medical experts, including American Heart Association President Dr. Martha Hill, Director of the Center of Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
• A floral tribute of HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF FLOWERS shaped into a heart, set against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol, will serve as a memorial to the 500,000 American women who die each year from heart disease and stroke.
• Kate Klugman, 35, CA, a young mother and stroke survivor. Kate had her stroke at the age of 33, when her youngest daughter was only 18 months old. Kate, who spent four months in the hospital, had to undergo intensive speech and physical therapy. Today, Kate frequently speaks before public audiences (including a U.S. Congress committee) to educate younger women about their risk of stroke.
• Joan Smedley and Mary Collier, FL, are sisters in their 60s who have a family history of heart disease. Mary has reached out to her sister Joan, who has had a heart attack and two cardiac bypass surgeries, and encouraged her to quit smoking, exercise regularly and eat a heart-healthy diet. These sisters exemplify the "Each One Reach One" theme.
• Fitness demonstration with Donna Richardson, national fitness expert, co-host of ESPN 2's "Crunch Fitness," Nike fitness athlete and the star of numerous workout videos.
• Lunch to first 1,000 participants
• Gospel choir
• Health screenings
• Military band

Background:

In 1995, the last year for which statistics are available, cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of 505,440 women-killing more women than the next 16 causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer, diabetes, AIDS and accidents.