The Greenbrier Valley Women’s Fund invites all members of the community to support the improvement of women’s health by wearing red on Friday, Feb. 6, and to join them in the Green Space, downtown Lewisburg at 5 p.m. for a community photograph to raise awareness about heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year.
Unfortunately, many believe that heart disease only affects men and that women do not need to be concerned with it. In order to counteract this misconception, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute took action to create National Wear Red Day. It is held on the first Friday in February every year. This coming National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6, marks the 12-year anniversary. Since 2003, much has improved in women’s health. Nearly 90 percent of all women in the US report having made at least one healthy behavior change, more than 40 percent of women checked their cholesterol levels, and one third of women talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans. Despite this progress, women are still dying from heart disease at unacceptable rates. They are still unaware of their risks and the facts. National Wear Red Day is an opportunity to stand stronger, speak louder, and join in the fight to improve women’s health.
The Greenbrier Valley Women’s Fund was established in 2006 at the Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation (GVCF) in order to assist local nonprofits that work in our region to empower women. To date, the fund has distributed $8,380. Recipients include: The Family Refuge Center, High Rocks Educational Corporation, Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, the Alderson Quilters Guild, Greenbrier/Pocahontas Parents as Teachers, the Tutoring Center, Pocahontas County Historic Preservation Project, Homeless Inc., the Women on Wellness program, Carnegie Hall, Fruits of Labor, and the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce. Membership in the Greenbrier Valley Women’s Fund is available to all women who pay annual dues or make a donation to the fund. Since the fund is an endowment, only the earnings are distributed and the principal is protected. Accordingly, the fund will be able to provide grants for women in perpetuity. For more information, visit the “Women’s Fund” page at www.gvfoundation.org.