DAYTON, Ohio — Leronda Jackson, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Dayton 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. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women.
Over the course of nine-weeks, Jackson, 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 a line dance class for exercise, a barbershop initiative, a Friday night workout, a Game Day event where Oak Street Health discussed healthcare for those over 65, a Valentines event raising a penny for every step taken, and a Red Dress Dinner featuring 5 heart disease survivors, Jackson 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 cardiovascular disease took the life of my paternal grandmother at the tender age of 30, and my mother and father both died of congestive heart failure,” said Jackson. “I am honored to have received this recognition, but most importantly, I am so proud of what we as women in Dayton have accomplished together over the last nine weeks to support the Go Red for Women movement and the future of women’s heart health.”
The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. In Dayton 8 community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Dayton nominees held over 10 events to raise awareness, and raised a total of more than $33,000 for the Dayton American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
Other local nominees included:
- Ayauna Goodwin
- Caitlin Meadows
- Coach Phillitia
- Erin Riffle
- Leslie Kahn
- Niki Mayakova
- Jessica Gaston
“We are so grateful to Leronda 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 Chinenye Amagwu, the Development Director for the Dayton Go Red for Women Movement. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our city is stronger, and our future is brighter.”
Women naturally experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the course of their lifetime. While the large 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.
The Women of Impact class of 2024 will be celebrated during the Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 9th at The Dayton Arcade.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Dayton and for tickets for the Go Red for Women Luncheon visit Heart.org/DaytonGoRed.
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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:
Katie.Kwapich@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1], [1][1], [1][1][1] , [1]V Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023]. Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123.