At a press conference last Monday, Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon joined representatives from Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association to present a proclamation recognizing the ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign along with ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented.

Legislator Dixon said, “It was an honor to present this group of individuals with a proclamation recognizing their efforts to prevent heart disease through awareness and education. Oftentimes, women get caught up in our busy day-to-day lives without thinking about the threat of heart disease. I encourage everyone to lower their chance for heart disease by making healthy choices and working toward a healthier lifestyle.”

Shari McDonald, RN, MSN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy Hospital and 2019 Chair of the Go Red for Women Campaign said, “I want to thank the Erie County Legislature and all those who attended the proclamation ceremony for supporting and recognizing the importance of heart health for our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. My hope is that the messages we send in this campaign will inspire women to take action and help us fight our greatest health threat—heart disease.”

Marc Natale, Executive Director of the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association said, “About half of all women don’t realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer but collectively we can move this county forward to be the best place to live, work, play and pray.  The American Heart Association is proud to receive this proclamation in conjunction with Catholic Health & the Heart Center at Mercy Hospital as we work to change the health of our community and the effect of heart disease in Erie County.”

Legislator Dixon also received a tour of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo’s Heart Center from Julie LaManna, RN, BSN, and Director of Cardiac Care Services for Catholic Health. February is designated American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 1. More information on the American Heart Association can be found here.  The full proclamation can be viewed here.