1. Number One Killer of Women
Julie Correll – Purdue University
COM60511 | PROFESSORHEARIT
Heart Disease is the Number One Killer of Women
A PROPOSAL FOR FRANSICAN ST ELIZABETH HOSPITAL

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Heart Disease is the Number One Killer of Women
The symptoms of a heart attack in women are sweating, pressure, nausea, and jaw pain.
Women often brush off these symptoms as the flu, stress or simply feeling under the weather,
which puts their lives at risk. I know this to be true because my sister has had two heart attacks in
the past five years.
According to the American Heart Association, “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of
women, which is why it is imperative that women learn the warning signs and symptoms, see a
doctor regularly, and learn their family history” (para. 5). “Whether it’s disbelief, lack of
awareness or misdiagnosis, dismissing the symptoms of a heart attack can delay critical, life-
saving actions. Being able to recognize the warning signs and act quickly, however, can save a
life” (para. 3).
According to Amy Newell, Vice President, Corazon, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(2015),
“Every year, the month of February is an exciting time for cardiac programs across the country –
it is National Heart Month, and also the traditional time for “Go Red for Women”
recognition. These efforts across the country are aimed at promoting awareness of heart
disease in a way that speaks to the masses. For many, especially women, information
regarding heart attacks (What does one feel like? Am I at risk?) can be elusive, even
despite efforts to increase widespread public knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk
factors for heart disease — a disease that remains on the rise as the population continues
to age” (para 1).
Franciscan St Elizabeth Health Hospital of Lafayette, Indiana does its part to promote
heart health issues for women during the month of February, but I feel Franciscan St Elizabeth

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Health Hospital can do more given the seriousness of this disease. Creating a strategic
communication campaign centered around women’s heart health issues during the month of
February and the remaining months of the year could do more to get the word out to women in
the community. According to the citydata.com 51.2% of the population of Lafayette, Indiana is
women and 45% of the population of West Lafayette, Indiana is women, which is a joining
community.
It is clear that almost half the population of both cities are made up of women. Getting
the word out to women in both communities is an effective outreach for Franciscan St Elizabeth
Health Hospital. Effective outreach depends on knowing a community’s culture. Such cultural
familiarity can help plan outreach and program strategies that will be relevant and appropriate.
The purpose of this strategic communications plan is to integrate programs, public education,
and advocacy efforts. By planning long-term strategies, Franciscan St Elizabeth Health Hospital
will be positioned to be more proactive and strategic, rather than consistently reacting to the
existing heart health issues for women. The strategic plan will help deploy resources more
effectively and strategically by highlighting shared opportunities like the Go Red for Women. To
help fund the communication campaign, fundraising events like the Go Red for Women style
show has proven to be quite successful for the American Heart Association. The guest that attend
the event would have the opportunity to purchase clothing worn in the style show. All the
proceeds would go to help fund the strategic communication plan. This event is just one example
and, if allowed I would like to develop other events and programs to help Franciscan St
Elizabeth get the word out about women’s heart health issues and help to save lives.

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References
American Heart Association. Symptoms of a Heart Attack. Retrieved on October 22, 2016, from
https://www.goredforwomen.org/about-heart-
disease/symptoms_of_heart_disease_in_women/symptoms-of-a-heart-attack/
citydata.com. (2013). Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana. Retrieved on October 22, 2016,
from http://www.city-data.com/city/West-Lafayette-Indiana.html
goredforwomen.org. About Go Red. Retrieved on October 22, 2016, from
https://www.goredforwomen.org/home/about-go-red/
Newell, A. (2015). Heart Month & Beyond: Promoting Public Awareness of Heart Disease Risk
Factors & Symptoms. Retrieved on October 22, 2016, from
http://www.cathlabdigest.com/article/Heart-Month-Beyond-Promoting-Public-
Awareness-Heart-Disease-Risk-Factors-Symptoms