WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease recognized contributions to women’s cardiovascular health at its 2019 Wenger Awards. The organization also celebrated 20 years of providing support, education and advocacy for the 48 million women living with or at risk of heart disease.

“It’s been an incredible 20 year journey for WomenHeart—and this is just the beginning,” said WomenHeart Board Chair Barbara Tombros. “The fight against heart disease is such a powerful mission, and it’s incredible to see our WomenHeart Champions and so many other health advocates working to positively change lives each day.”

Wenger Award recipients include Representative Robin Kelly, (D-Illinois), Tara Narula, M.D., Carl Pepine, M.D. and Annabelle Volgman, M.D., who were recognized last night at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. WUSA 9 news anchor Lesli Foster served as emcee.

Named after Nanette Kass Wenger, M.D., a pioneer in women’s cardiovascular medicine and research, the Wenger Awards is the only annual event in Washington, D.C. that recognizes individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to women’s heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, though only about half of all women are aware of this fact. With 1 in 4 women dying each year from heart disease, it is crucial to raise awareness and understand the differences in heart disease between men and women.

The 2019 Wenger Awards Honorees were recognized for their contributions in public policy, media, research and innovation:

  • Dr. Annabelle Volgman—Excellence in Medical Innovation Award—Dr. Volgman, Professor of Medicine and Senior Attending Physician at Rush Medical College and Rush University Medical Center, received this award for her preventative and management strategies of cardiovascular disease, particularly her research interest in antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
  • Excellence in Media Award—Dr. Tara Narula— Dr. Narula is a CBS News Medical Contributor, cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine. She received this award for her commitment to improving the lives of women through her advocacy work in television. “It is very important to me to empower women through education and awareness to become advocates for their own health in the same way they care so intensely and passionately for others,” says Dr. Narula. “Through everyday choices women can paint the picture of their future cardiovascular health. It's never too late I explain and now as a mother I am immensely aware that it is also never too early.”
  • Excellence in Medical Leadership and Research—Dr. Carl Pepine—The cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida received this award for research into diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease.
  • Excellence in Public Policy—The Honorable Robin Kelly (D-IL)—The congresswoman received this award for her tireless work and commitment to raising heart disease awareness in Congress, helping improve patient’s access to care and ensuring that women with heart disease have access to essential health benefits.

To learn more about the Wenger Awards, visit https://www.womenheart.org/wenger-awards/

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease

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. To donate, visit www.womenheart.org.