The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recently recognized Patricia Savage, PhD, CEO of Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, with a Leadership Legacy Award for her exceptional service and contributions to the success of its Eastern States region over a significant period of time.
Pat serves as a local leader for the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. The award was presented by local American Heart Association division director Brooke Greybush during a meeting of the Blair Go Red for Women executive leadership team.
“It is vitally important that we–both women and men–continue to spread the word about this preventable disease so that the women in our lives can live longer lives and impact their family members for many years,” said Savage.
Brooke Greybush of the American Heart Association (left) presents the Leadership Legacy Award to Pat Savage.
Pat has served on the Blair Go Red for Women campaign executive leadership team for the last seven years. In 2017 and 2018, she served as the Blair Go Red for Women chair, raising $50K in 2017, and over $70K in 2018. Her contributions earned her the distinction of being the first member of the Blair County Circle of Red, an elite giving society of local women who support the Go Red for Women movement. She’s also supported the cause by hosting her own fundraisers and events, including viewing parties for the Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection show during New York Fashion Week.
“Pat is passionate and committed to the American Heart Association’s mission and inspires the same commitment in others by encouraging all of her fellow volunteers to know their ‘why’ and lead by example,” said Greybush. “She continues to use the Go Red for Women platform to educate the community that heart disease is the number one killer of women and emphasize the importance of prevention.”
Earlier this year, Pat was named as a member of the inaugural Blair Women of Impact class, a group of local women who challenged each other to use their networks to raise funds for the Go Red for Women campaign, achieve personal health goals and educate others. Pat’s efforts contributed nearly $10,000 of the total $37,000 raised by the Women of Impact campaign, making her the runner-up Woman of Impact.
“Every time I ask Pat for help, no matter how big or small, she always says ‘yes,’” said Greybush. “She donates purses to our auction, forms Heart Walk teams, and volunteers at events. There is no task to big or small for Pat to tackle. Her leadership has made a real difference in Central Pennsylvania and we’re grateful that she’s put her heart into our lifesaving mission.”
The funds raised by volunteers and supporters fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives and the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality. This support allows the American Heart Association to fund investments in cardiovascular research, improve patient outcomes, advocate for policies that promote community health and educate people about healthy living.
To learn more about the Blair Go Red for Women event, visit blairgored.heart.org.