Drakos Dynamics CEO leads local movement to improve women’s heart health

SYRACUSE, NY, June 26, 2024 – Heather Drake Bianchi, CEO of Drakos Dynamics, will serve as the executive volunteer chairwoman of the 2024 Syracuse Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100^th birthday, Drake Bianchi will play a critical role by leading the Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon and additional efforts to improve cardiovascular health in Central New York.

According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Heart disease and stroke continue to be greatest health threat for women in Central New York.

“Being asked to serve as the Syracuse Go Red for Women Campaign Chairperson is an honor and one of those times in life when you feel like something is coming full circle,” said Drake Bianchi. “The Go Red Campaign offers an opportunity to come together to make a difference for each generation, for all of the daughters, moms, grandmothers, and great grandmothers in our lives. I would love for as many people as possible to learn why it’s important to contribute to this cause. It’s not just about this year’s event – it’s about our future.”

As the CEO of Drakos Dynamics, best known for Drakos Urgent Care and Drakos Pediatric Urgent Care, Drake Bianchi says her lifelong mission has been, and continues to be, focused on providing care that meets people where they are and removing barriers to access healthcare. Serving as the Go Red for Women chairwoman is a perfect fit for Drake Bianchi. In 2014, while working as a medic, she helped save the life of a young soccer player who had collapsed during practice.

“This was a perfect alignment of stars because the coach knew CPR and we happened to be there. Thankfully her heart restarted, and she regained consciousness,” Drake Bianchi explained. A decade later, she’s still amazed at the circumstances of being in the right place at an unfortunate time. “Fortunately, the young girl was discharged from the hospital and made a full recovery, while the coach received the Heartsaver Hero Award from the American Heart Association.” 

“We are so grateful to have Heather Drake Bianchi as our Go Red for Women chairwoman this year,” said Denise McGraw, Go Red for Women director. “Her passion for our mission and leadership will make a notable impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Thursday, October 17^th at the 2024 Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon, held at the Oncenter.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by St. Joseph’s Health, Beldon PPC, Crouse Health, National Grid, and more, along with media sponsors 93Q, Eagle Newspapers, NBC3/CBS5/CW6, and Syracuse Woman Magazine. For more information contact Denise.McGraw@heart.org or visit the Go Red for Women Luncheon event website.

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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:
Kristy Smorol: Kristy.Smorol@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org