WomenHeart Commences the 16th Annual Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease commences its 16th annual Science & Leadership Symposium hosted at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota this Friday.

The largest gathering of women heart disease survivors yet, this year's incoming class of WomenHeart Champions is comprised of 61 women from 23 states, four of whom are in their 20s. They will join the ranks of over 800 WomenHeart volunteers who lead Support Network meetings, conduct media outreach and educate in their local communities.

"The fall 2017 WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium is an opportunity for women all over the country living with heart disease to come together to support and empower one another through, storytelling, education, community outreach, and the spirit of giving back," says Mary McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

At the Symposium, the incoming class will learn from world-class cardiologists passionate about women's heart health and leading experts in advocacy, policy, and communications.

"This training empowers future WomenHeart Champions to become the boots on the ground in improving heart health for women," says McGowan. "Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women; for this reason, it is critical to have passionate advocates like our WomenHeart Champions speaking out and educating the public about heart disease in women."

The WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium began in 2002 as the nation's only volunteer program training women to support other women heart patients and lead the fight against heart disease. There are currently nearly 48 million women living with or at risk of heart disease.

The fall 2017 WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium is sponsored by Novartis, Mylan, Amgen, Boston Scientific, Abbott Vascular, with donated facility from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

As the leading voice for the nearly 48 million American women living with or at risk of heart disease, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation's only patient-centered organization solely dedicated to advancing women's heart health through patient support, community education, and advocacy.

WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, healthcare professionals, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives.

To join or donate, visit www.womenheart.org