Greater Cincinnati AHA empowers and educates local women
By Alyson Poling, Executive Director & Vice President, Greater Cincinnati American Heart Association
For the past dozen years, I’ve worked for the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. I am so very proud to lead our amazing and life-saving initiatives here in Greater Cincinnati.
Although our work is far-reaching and broad in scope, women’s health is my personal passion area. You are probably aware that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all women. What you may not be aware of is that there is a major gender gap in research. Women-specific studies just began in 1993, and it took an act of Congress to begin (not kidding)! Of the limited data that exists, only 3% reflects Black and brown women. Men have been studied for well over a century. Through our Go Red for Women movement, many initiatives are underway to close this gap as quickly as possible. In short: To save women’s lives.
Nationally, Research Goes Red was created to call on women to contribute to health research to accelerate scientific discovery specific to women. This is critically important as women’s unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, put them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease—yet women continue to be underrepresented in research.
Locally, we have many grassroots programs to empower women to advocate for their health at every age. Our STEM Goes Red program inspires high school girls to be the next generation of scientists, doctors and researchers. I am sure we would not be behind in research if women had been in top leadership positions traditionally—as men have been, and still are. Our Girl Scout patch program motivates young girls to develop heart healthy habits for life. Our Woman and Teen of Impact campaign allows supporters to share the Go Red message one-on-one with their friends and colleagues. Studies show that hearing a health message from a personal and/or trusted source is how it sticks! And, our goRed Talks series delves into all aspects of women’s health from mental well-being to stress management.
In closing, I will share why this is extra personal to me. In 2018, I was diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension. It has since gone away. Due to my professional occupation, I am inordinately aware that there is not enough research to tell me what happens next as I age. Will it return? Will that lead to a sudden cardiac arrest due to an unforeseen connection in my previous pregnancies? Will I leave my three children without a mother? Unfortunately, we still don’t know why women are at such an increased risk. My hope is that this short letter moves you to action. It will take all of us, men and women, sharing this message. For me, I work tirelessly in honor of my daughters Isla and June, my four sisters, mom, nine rockstar nieces, friends, colleagues and all of women in Greater Cincinnati and beyond. GO RED.
As executive director and vice president of the Greater Cincinnati American Heart Association, Alyson Poling leads one of the AHA’s most successful markets in the country. Her background includes positions at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, NiSource/Columbia Gas and Marshall University. She holds many awards over her career including AHA’s Making an Extraordinary Impact. She’s also been a Cincinnati Business Courier’s 40 Under 40, Cincinnati Chamber WE Lead Class 11 alumni and Central OH YWCA’s Volunteer of the Year. She’s passionate and supportive of many initiatives and nonprofits that impact girls and women.
