CLEVELAND, Jan 18, 2023 – Daniel I. Simon, MD, president, academic & external affairs and chief scientific officer and the Ernie and Patti Novak Distinguished Chair of Healthcare Leadership at University Hospitals, and Lorraine Dodero, chairman of The Sam J. Frankino Foundation will serve as executive volunteer co-chairs of the 2024 Greater Cleveland 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, a global force for healthier lives for all, celebrates its 100th birthday, Dr. Simon and Dodero will play a critical role by leading Greater Cleveland’s 2024 Go Red for Women Experience on Friday, Feb. 16 at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Cleveland.

This year’s milestone event is a celebration of 20 years of the Go Red for Women movement in Greater Cleveland. The Association will honor the strides made in raising awareness and advancing cardiovascular health, the strength of the Cleveland community and the unwavering commitment of local funders, volunteers and health champions. 

According to the American Heart Association, 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 Cleveland women’s greatest health threat.

Dr. Simon is a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association and serves as a Cor Vitae and Circle of Red member.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year to honor my amazing women cardiology patients. I know firsthand how the research supported by the American Heart Association has saved hundreds of thousands of lives over the last 100 years,” said Dr. Simon. “As we enter the next century, I’m looking forward to bringing our community together to advance this lifesaving mission and support women in Cleveland and beyond.”

Dodero, who previously chaired Go Red for Women in 2021, is also a member of the Greater Cleveland Board, a Cor Vitae Member of the Heart & Torch Lifetime Giving Society and a Circle of Red Member. In 2019, she helped the Association develop the Cleveland STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship, with the goal of bridging the gap between the interest of female students in pursuing a career in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and achieving their goals.

“Inspired by the unwavering dedication of the American Heart Association, I have taken on the co-chairing role for the 2024 Go Red for Women movement alongside the esteemed cardiovascular leadership of Dr. Simon,” Dodero said. “Our aim is to pay tribute to the remarkable women across Northeast Ohio. As we come together for the 20th Anniversary of Go Red, our persistent aspiration is to make continued significant strides in our fight against heart disease.”

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Simon and Lorraine’s experience, conviction and passion to help drive the 20th anniversary of Go Red in Greater Cleveland,” said Valerie Hillow Gate, executive director for the American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland. “Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Greater Cleveland Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by The Sam J. Frankino Foundation and University Hospitals. For more information, click here.

 

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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:
Jordan Van Dootingh, Director of Communications
Jordan.vandootingh@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