Johns Hopkins neurologist raises awareness, funds to be named Greater Maryland Woman of Impact winner

BALTIMORE, May 17, 2024 — Dr. Elisabeth Marsh, a Johns Hopkins neurologist, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Greater Maryland 2024 Woman of Impact Winner for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women and improve health and well-being in the local community.

Over the course of nine weeks, Marsh, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities.

After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, including speaking on stroke and heart health at a school, selling Red Dress pins and teaching a CPR class at her church, Marsh was named this year’s winner.

The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women’s 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.

“Taking part in the Woman of Impact campaign was personal for me because every day I care for amazing patients and families whose lives have been forever altered by stroke,” said Marsh, who is the director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview in Baltimore.

“This campaign allowed me the opportunity to raise awareness within the community surrounding both recovery and prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease and I am truly honored to be part of such a heroic effort to improve the health and quality of people’s lives,” she said.

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2, in Greater Maryland and 8 community leaders were nominated to participate.

Collectively, this year’s Greater Maryland nominees recruited impact teams, engaged their networks to raise a remarkable $116,245 for the Greater Maryland American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Elisabeth Marsh and all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Dr. Nino Isakadze, the 2023 Greater Maryland Woman of Impact winner and a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our city is stronger, and our future is brighter.”

Other local nominees included:

• Brooke Bognanni, College Professor
• Leigh Chapman, Carroll Hospital, A LifeBridge Health Center
• Vicki Jones, City of Havre De Grace
• Emily Kisner, Graduate Student
• Latonia Lewis, Survivor
• Meghan Wieser, Recharge
• Dr. Angela L. Williams, Coppin State University

Women naturally experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the course of their lifetime. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[1]  Women involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Greater Maryland visit www.heart.org/goredmd

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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:

Wayne Carter, 410-937-6873

wayne.carter@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org