American Heart Association Honors Top African Americans for Work to Prevent Stroke

More than 400 African-American leaders are expected from across the country to participate in the Power Weekend sponsored by the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss progress and future strategy concerning the "Power to End Stroke" campaign in the African American community.

According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the burden of stroke is greater among African-Americans than any other ethnic group in America. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites, and blacks 34-54 years old have four times the relative risk for stroke. More than 100,000 African-Americans have a stroke each year and many don't know that they are at risk. The American Stroke Association states that stroke is the number 3 killer in the United States and a leading cause of disability.

Power Weekend is a forum for key opinion leaders brought together to network and share ideas for propelling the Power To End Stroke movement forward. It's an event to unveil successes, share the future direction and award Ambassadors who have dramatically heightened stroke awareness among African Americans. Leaders from across the country will discuss the devastation of stroke in the black community and devise ways to fight it.

The weekend will also include the 2nd Annual Power Awards on Friday, May 2nd. The purpose of the award ceremony is to recognize individuals whose words, hard work and dedication toward fighting stroke in the black community have ignited passion and helped to educate and save lives countless of African Americans. National honorees include:

Platinum-selling, Grammy nominated R&B singing group, Az Yet

Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes

Healthy Horizons Magazine

Senator Constance "Connie" Johnson

Tom Joyner

Dr. Emil Matarese

Pastor Marvin L. Winans

The Word Network

"African-Americans are at a particularly higher risk for stroke because of their increased risk for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Through the Power To End Stroke campaign, we are teaching people how to reduce these and other stroke risks. We are also teaching our population how to recognize five simple signs of stroke and to understand that getting to the hospital immediately can potentially reduce the pain and suffering from stroke," said Emil Matarese, M.D., clinical neurologist, St. Mary's Medical Center, Langhorne, PA and a National Power honoree.

Power Weekend Schedule

May 2--4, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia

Power Awards Gala - Friday, May 2, 7:00 pm

National Honorees: