(ROOTSTOWN, Ohio) Nov. 21, 2024 — Dr. Christina Dascenzo, pharmacist at Family Drug and Village Pharmacies and American Heart Association Board Member, has been selected to serve as Chair of the American Heart Association’s 2024 STEM Goes Red™ experience in Northeast Ohio.
Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red will be offered to more than 200 girls from middle schools across the Akron, Canton and Youngstown regions on Monday, Dec. 9th at The NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown, Ohio. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the event running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The event is designed to address the under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.
Although women fill close to half of all the jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold only 28% of jobs in STEM fields.[1] In fact, of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation[2], leading to persistent disparities in women’s health.
By equipping and empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, we can ensure women are represented in critical sectors that impact health and well-being such as healthcare, research and technology.
“It is so important to support young women and encourage them to raise their hands in the classroom today, so that in the years to come they’re prepared to raise their voices in the boardroom or the operating room,” said Dr. Christina Dascenzo, who is also a NEOMED alum. “The more we close the gender gap in STEM research and professions, the closer we get to improving the health and well-being of all Americans.”
During the four-hour interactive STEM Goes Red program, students will attend a welcome celebration, then split into break-out sessions featuring hands-on experiences centered around science, technology, engineering and math. Students will get to interact with a cadaver heart, learn to use a stethoscope, receive CPR instruction, and be mentored by local female industry leaders.
The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red experience was launched in 2017 as part of the Go Red for Women® movement, which for more than 20 years has worked to improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s No. 1 health threat—cardiovascular disease.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by FirstEnergy, Ohio Natural Energy Institute, Dinesol Plastics, Family Drug and Village Pharmacies, Hill Barth & King, and SenSource.
For more information or to get involved with the event, contact Heather Clevenger at Heather.Clevenger@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell
Communications Director – Northeast Ohio, American Heart Association
[1] https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/01/women-making-gains-in-stem-occupations-but-still-underrepresented.html
[2] Anthony Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Michelle Melton. STEM. Georgetown University: Center on Education and the Workforce, as retrieved from http://cew.georgetown.edu/stem/ as of 11/18/22
