Customer Spotlight: Saint Luke’s Women’s Heart Center

February is American Heart Month, and so we decided to speak to our customer Marcia McCoy, the director of the Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center at Saint Luke’s in Kansas City about their efforts to reduce heart disease.

Saint Luke’s Women’s Heart Center has done so much incredible work!  Is there something you believe has had the most impact, or that you are particularly proud of?

As the first women’s heart center of its kind in the United States to take a proactive role in women’s heart health, the Center has been advocating for the hearts of women for over 24 years.  In 2003 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Women’s Heart Center facilitated the visit of former First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush where together we promoted the efforts of the Heart Truth Campaign. As a result of her experience Mrs. Bush made women’s heart health one of her national platforms during her time in office.  Mrs. Bush has recognized Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center as a pioneer in promoting women’s cardiovascular health at two White House events, including the proclamation signing by President George W. and Mrs. Bush in support of the Heart Truth Campaign.  In addition, the Women’s Heart Center is the proud recipient of the 2004 Inaugural Woman’s Day Red Dress Award.

Can you tell us a bit about the goal for National Wear Red Day?

Each year, the first Friday in February is a day when Americans nationwide will take women’s health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.  This year that is Friday, February 2nd!

The Red Dress is the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness and is a powerful red alert that inspires women to learn more about their personal risk for heart disease and take action to protect their heart health.  We encourage all women should know five numbers to take control of their heart health: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good) Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help women and their healthcare provider determine their risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

I know the Women’s Heart Center has ordered red ties for the gents to show their support as well.  Do you have any fun events coming up for the Heart Center, where everyone gets to dress up in their best red?

Our male colleagues will be reminded to wear their red dress ties to their assigned clinics, office and hospital services on National Wear Red Day to prompt discussion about their peers, patients and staff.  We have two male colleagues also attending the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards in New York on February 6th, who will be fashionably wearing their red dress ties!  The ties always generate interest and conversation!