Fight Heart Disease and Go Red for Women

A week of events at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College will help raise awareness about heart disease by supporting the Go Red For Women campaign. Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women.

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. For more information, visit GoRedForWomen.org. 

 “Unfortunately, most of us have a friend or family member who has suffered from heart disease, which has been called ‘the silent killer,’ ” said Dr. Tara Brooks, Director of Multicultural Affairs for FSU and Pierpont. “Together as one, we can fight this terrible disease through the power of education. By sharing facts, we can help save lives. We encourage the community to join our students, faculty and staff for this week of fun with a purpose.”

The week of events is organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Student Activities, Office of Residence Life and Student Government. Beginning Monday, Jan. 30, through Thursday, Feb. 2, FSU and Pierpont students will host an information table from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor Main Street area in the Falcon Center. All monetary donations collected will be donated to the American Heart Association.

• From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, in the second floor Main Street area of the Falcon Center student organizations and clubs can gather for the kick off and drop off jars for the Penny Wars competition. Throughout the week, people can add pennies to the various jars to add points to the sponsoring organization. Adding silver or dollar bills takes away points for the jar. Beginning on Monday, people can fill out a tribute heart in honor of a female loved one affected by heart disease.
• From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, students, faculty and staff can sample some heart healthy snacks at the Taste of Healthy Goodness event in the second floor Main Street area of the Falcon Center. At 6 p.m. on Jan. 31 in Falcon Center Gym 1, there will be a Hoops for Heart basketball free throw contest and three on three mini competitions with prizes for the winners.
• From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the second floor Main Street area of the Falcon Center, students can drop off banners to compete in the Banner Contest. Banners should promote Go Red For Women and must be the size of a twin sheet and horizontal in format. Banners should be ready to hang when dropped off.
• From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, in the second floor Main Street area of the Falcon Center, a board featuring all the tribute hearts collected throughout the week will be revealed.
• The week of events will culminate on Friday, Feb. 3, with National Wear Red for Women Day. Community members, as well as FSU and Pierpont students, faculty and staff, are invited to wear red and gather for a group photo at noon in Gym 1 of the Falcon Center, followed by a reception.

For more information, contact Dr. Tara Brooks at tbrooks1@fairmontstate.edu or tbrooks1@pierpont.edu.