DC Council Goes Red

The entire DC Council went Red at their legislative meeting on February 6, presenting the American Heart Association with a ceremonial resolution recognizing American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day.

Survivors and You’re the Cure advocates joined the DC Council at the dais, as Councilmember Vince Gray, chair of the Council’s Committee on Health, led the ceremony. He was joined by co-sponsors Councilmembers Mary Cheh, Brianne Nadeau, Brandon Todd, and all 13 members of the Council.

Following Councilmember Gray’s presentation about the prevalence and prevention of heart disease among women in the District, survivor and AHA spokesperson Daniela Leonhardt accepted the proclamation and shared her heart disease survival story.

“1 in 3 women are affected by this disease, and heart disease does not discriminate. I am here as a survivor, I was blessed with a pacemaker 5 and a half years ago. I had a cardiac ablation and suffered a stroke. I am one of the few who survived, so this is an honor for me to here,” said Leonhardt. “Remember, this is a women’s disease, and we need to bring light to it.”

More than 1,300 Washington, DC residents die each year from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the nation’s capital. But Councilmember Gray and Daniela provided the Council and all in attendance with education, awareness, and strategies to prevent heart disease, especially among women.

“Today, on behalf of the American Heart Association, I am proud to present the National Wear Day Recognition Resolution of 2018, in commemoration of Go Red for Women,” said Gray. “I’m delighted to recognize the mission of Go Red for Women, promoting healthier lives in the District of Columbia.”  

The American Heart Association thanks Councilmembers Gray, Cheh, Nadeau, Todd, and the entire Council for their support of National Wear Red Day and for bringing so much attention and awareness to heart disease among women.