REMINDER/SUNDAY @ 10:30 AM – Cardin to Celebrate “Red Dress Sunday” in West Baltimore to Help Raise Awareness for Women’s Heart Disease

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Sue Walitsky 202-224-4524/Tim Zink 410-962-4436

February 5, 2015

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

Cardin to Celebrate “Red Dress Sunday” in West Baltimore to Help Raise Awareness for Women’s Heart Disease

Innovative campaign started by Saint Agnes Hospital began as partnership with three churches, now includes more than 170 congregations across Maryland

Sunday, February 8 at 10:30 AM, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin will participate in services celebrating the 11th-annual “Red Dress Sunday,” an innovative, faith-based program started by Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore to educate the community about the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African-American women and the critical importance of early detection. The event aims to motivate women to make positive lifestyle choices and changes to keep their hearts healthy. This year, more than 170 Maryland congregations will take part in Red Dress Sunday, exposing thousands of local women to the campaign’s important message. Immediately following the service, St. Agnes Hospital and its partners will sponsor a health fair that offers a variety of medical services and expertise to the community.

WHAT:          Red Dress Sunday Service and Community Health Fair

WHO:            U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

                        Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

                        Saint Agnes Hospital and Partners

                        Members of Mount Olive Holy Evangelistic Church

WHEN:          Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

                                    “Red Dress Sunday” Service Starts @ 10:30 AM

                                    Health Fair Starts @ Noon

WHERE:        Mount Olive Holy Evangelistic Church

3816 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, MD

Each year, more American women die from heart disease than any other chronic illness or health condition. Studies have shown that African-American women have a greater risk of heart disease and greater chances of death from coronary artery disease than Caucasian women. Senator Cardin has been the leading federal lawmaker working to eliminate the current disparities in minority health outcomes. “Women are typically the anchors of our families. They need to know the signs of heart disease and learn what steps they can take to save their own lives,” said Senator Cardin. “Inequalities in demographic status and health care exact enormous human and economic tolls on our nation. It’s why I won’t stop fighting to ensure Congress provides the federal resources to improve  the health of our fastest-growing communities and eliminate the disparities that show themselves through  higher rates of debilitating diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer in minority communities.”