A dozen northeast Ohio changemakers, including students from Solon, Aurora, Revere, and Niles McKinley, are stepping up this February as part of a regional effort to combat cardiovascular disease, the nation’s leading cause of death.
The group is participating in the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns, which kick off during American Heart Month. The nine-week initiatives challenge participants to raise awareness, educate their communities, and fund critical research aimed at improving heart and brain health.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 60% of U.S. adults are expected to have cardiovascular disease by 2050, and risk factors are increasingly appearing earlier in life. By age 18, many teens already show signs such as high blood pressure, obesity, or high cholesterol, making youth involvement especially important.
Local Students Making an Impact
Eight Northeast Ohio teens were selected as Teen of Impact nominees, including students representing several local school districts:
- Hend Egzait, Solon High School
- Sushmitha Venkatesan, Aurora High School
- Julia Winchell, Revere High School
- Katie Zook, Niles McKinley High School
Throughout the competition, the teens will lead fundraising efforts while promoting heart-healthy habits, CPR education, physical activity, and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among their peers and families.
Women Leaders Driving Change
Four local professionals were also nominated as Woman of Impact leaders, supporting the Go Red for Women movement, which focuses on closing gaps in women’s heart health research and care. Nearly 45 percent of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Laura Kish, a volunteer board member of the American Heart Association–Northeast Ohio, says the campaign highlights the power of community action.
“When we come together, we are stronger than cardiovascular disease,” Kish said. “These teens and women are using their voices to educate others and help save lives.”
The campaigns officially launched on National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6, with activities continuing through early April. The top fundraisers locally will be named Northeast Ohio Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners on April 9, with a chance to advance to the national level.
More information about the campaigns is available through the American Heart Association’s Northeast Ohio chapter can be found HERE.
