INDIANAPOLIS, April 24, 2023 – Inspired by her father’s two major, life-threatening cardiovascular events, Anushree Bag dedicated nine weeks this Spring to raising awareness and money for the American Heart Association.

For her efforts, Bag has been named the 2023 Central Indiana Woman of Impact Award Winner. The recognition by the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is awarded annually to the Woman of Impact nominee who earns the most points during a 9-week fundraising and heart health education drive.  

Bag earned the award, part of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women® movement, for leading her team to raise $19,000 and participate in mission-impact activities for the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative.

“My primary inspiration was to pay a tribute to my friend, philosopher, and guide for life- my father, who had two major cardiovascular events, but survived by staying vigilant about his medical condition and making lifestyle changes,” Bag said. “I saw this as an opportunity to tell his story and inspire others in the process, so they could have similar positive health outcomes.

“The second reason was to raise awareness among women of all ages, with special emphasis on women in my age group and older, about taking heart health seriously. Awareness is key to making small changes that can save lives.

“The final reason was to raise funds for critical research on cardiovascular health of women. Most research so far has been geared towards men’s heart health.-This was my call to action to contribute in a small but meaningful way to fund medical research that would create pathways for directly influencing positive outcomes in women’s heart health.”

Each year, a group of Central Indiana women are nominated by their peers to embark on a journey starting on National Wear Red Day in February and culminating on April 6 to earn the local title.

Collectively, this year’s Central Indiana nominees and their Impact Teams made up of friends, family and personal connections trained dozens of people in Hands-Only CPR, participated in numerous health activities and raised more than $55,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Central Indiana sponsored by Hendricks Regional Health.

“We are so grateful to Anu and to 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 Kim Speer, chair of this year’s Go Red for Women campaign. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness. With advocates like Anu and our other Woman of Impact nominees leading the way, our city is stronger and our future is brighter.”

While a large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of 1 in 3 women. Research published by the American Heart Association shows that younger women, particularly Millennials and Gen Z may not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke[1]. For more information or to get involved visit heart.org/indygoesred.

 

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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 19 years, 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). 

  

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

For Media Inquiries:
Tim Harms; Tim.Harms@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org