Cheerios 'Sisters Saving Hearts' Awards $25,000 in Grants to African-American Women and Organizations Working to Combat Heart Disease

Cheerios 'Sisters Saving Hearts' Awards $25,000 in Grants to African-American Women and Organizations Working to Combat Heart Disease
Author-Health Care Advocate Dr. Ian Smith Delivers Keynote Address and Presents Awards to 2007 Honorees
Five African-American women and their associated non-profit organizations were recently awarded Cheerios' Sisters Saving Hearts(TM) Grants for their efforts to raise awareness about heart disease and the cardiovascular risk factors that disproportionately affect Black women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, particularly those of African heritage. In early 2007, Cheerios(R), through its Circle of Helping Hearts(TM) campaign launched Sisters Saving Hearts, a three-year initiative and grant program to address the issue.

These grant recipients are being honored for their outstanding leadership and commitment in the fight against heart disease. Each honoree has dedicated their time and energy to provide education, develop programs and strategies that encourage healthy lifestyle choices to help lower the incidence of heart disease and its effects on the African-American community.

"General Mills is very committed to issues that affect women, especially those related to health. Our Sisters Saving Hearts grant recipients represent some of the extraordinary individuals who are working at a local level to help women of color combat heart disease, and improve overall health in communities across the country," said Amy Sweeney, Associate Marketing Manager, Cheerios. Sweeney continued, "We applaud the commitment and dedication of these honorees, and we're hopeful that the positive response and support that Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts has received will inspire others to join the fight to eradicate this disease."

"It gives me great pleasure to be here today to help Cheerios honor these remarkable women, and acknowledge the work that they are doing to educate African-Americans on the health risks associated with heart disease," said Dr. Ian Smith, author, medical/diet expert for VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" and creator of the 50 Million Pound Challenge. Dr. Smith continued, "African- Americans are being afflicted with heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes at astonishing rates, and we need more individuals like these Sisters Saving Hearts grant recipients, to create programs and identify resources that will make a positive and lasting impact on the health of African-Americans and our communities as whole."
The 2007 Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts recipients are the first to receive a grant through the initiative. The program is part of a three-year commitment launched through General Mills' Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts(R) campaign to honor African-American women and organizations who are working to generate greater awareness of the risks of heart disease. Cheerios received nominations for individuals and organizations from across the United States, and winners were selected based on their creativity, quality of service, and reach/impact of their work on the community. Through the program, General Mills seeks to encourage individuals to do their part to combat heart disease at a grassroots level, and recognize those who are making a difference.

source : sev.prnewswire.com