NEW: RI Blood Center, American Heart Assoc. Pair Up for Heart Month
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
This year, 600,000 Americans are likely to die from heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
That’s why several years ago Congress designated February as American Heart Month, and why the American Heart Association and Rhode Island Blood Center are teaming up to help educate thousands of Rhode Islanders of ways to prevent heart disease.
At a press conference this morning, representative from both organizations, a leading cardiologist and a heart disease survivor raised awareness of both ways to prevent heart disease and how individuals can recognize the onset of heart problems.
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The Rhode Island Blood Center, in conjunction with the American Heart Association, has scheduled a series of educational events at all its donor centers during February, providing valuable information for donors, who are being urged to share that information with family, friends and co-workers. For details, go here.
Debra Koziol, who underwent open heart surgery several years ago and used several blood products during her treatment, joined Dr. Daniel Levine, a leading Rhode Island cardiologist, urging Rhode Islanders of the importance of a heart healthy lifestyle.
“We are very happy to partner with the Rhode Island Blood Center during American Heart Month,” said Victoria Smith, Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Southern New England. “Just like the American Heart Association, the Blood Center is also in the business of saving lives. Every blood donor will receive a red dress pin and information on heart disease prevention in February. In addition, several heart disease survivors will visit the different sites of the Rhode Island Blood Center and thank donors for their amazing gift.”
RI Blood Centers statewide
The Rhode Island Blood Center has donor centers at 405 Promenade St., Providence; 688 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown; 14 Woodruff Ave., Narragansett; 615 Greenwich Ave., Warwick; and 2168 Diamond Hill Rd., Woonsocket.
“Every day we meet individuals who have overcome severe illnesses or accidents because of the generosity of blood donors,” said Frank Prosnitz, Communications Manager for the Rhode Island Blood Center. “Among the survivors are many who have overcome heart related problems, from heart transplants to open heart surgeries. They are healthy again, productive and giving back to their families and community because of blood donors. We’re pleased to join with the American Heart Association to help raise awareness, and possibly save even more lives by providing valuable information to thousands of donors and their families during February.”
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