Mary Lou Mastro, Gina Sharp Of Edward-Elmhurst Health To Lead Chicago's 2019-20 Go Red for Women Campaign

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Apr 10, 2019, 16:56 ET

CHICAGO, April 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association announced today that Mary Lou Mastro, CEO of Edward-Elmhurst Health and Gina Sharp, President and CEO of Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, headquartered in Naperville, Ill., will serve as chair and vice chair of the Association's 2019-20 Chicago Go Red for Women campaign. Mastro and Sharp take on the role with a personal goal to not only raise more awareness of heart disease risk among women, but to encourage all women to stand together with Go Red and take charge of their own heart health, mental health and well-being.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the U.S., claiming the life of one woman every 80 seconds.

"I feel so strongly that women should feel empowered to take control of their own health, both physically and mentally," notes Mastro. "With all of the demands of family and work, many women do not make their own health a priority. And yet, we make our kids' doctor appointments a year in advance!

"There are so many things we can do to manage our risk for heart disease. Given the alarming statistics, we owe it to ourselves and to the people we love to put our own health at the top of our to-do lists." Mastro's many years of healthcare experience – from nursing to administration – have given her unique insights into the connection between physical and mental health. A nurse by background, she began her career at Edward Hospital in 1988 as director of cardiovascular services, and served as president of Linden Oaks at Edward, now Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, from 2002 to 2013.

Sharp agrees, "At Edward-Elmhurst Health, our mantra is 'Healthy Driven.' For us, that means doing everything we can to help people move their health forward, no matter where they are in their journey. This partnership with the American Heart Association is a great example of that commitment."

Chicago's Go Red for Women campaign is a year-round movement that includes the annual Go Red for Women Executive Luncheon and the Go Red Goes STEM event, a daylong event that aims to inspire and empower high school girls to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by considering careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

About Go Red for Women

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women^® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent 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 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).

About Edward-Elmhurst Health

Edward-Elmhurst Health includes three hospitals – Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health – and an extensive ambulatory care network with more than 60 locations that provides comprehensive healthcare to 1.7 million residents of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago. The system has nearly 8,500 employees, including 1,900 nurses, with 2,000 physicians on its medical staff, plus 1,300 volunteers. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org.

SOURCE American Heart Association