Photo provided Several area women were recognized for their community involvement as nominees for Trinity Health System's Crimson Connections Champion Friday at St. Florian Event Center. Among many dressed in red to promote awareness of heart health for women were, from left: Megan Presley, last year's Champion; Lisa Kush, Dana Meadows, Annie Campbell Johnston, this year's Champion; Sydney Cain, Rebekah Cohen Morris, and Laurie Labishak, market director for Trinity Health System.

WINTERSVILLE — Several area women were recognized for having a heart for service at an event Friday at the St. Florian Event Center also aimed at raising awareness of heart health for women.

It was the second year for Trinity Health System’s Crimson Connections For Your Heart Event, which also raised $25,000, through drawings and business sponsorships, for cardiology equipment for the hospital.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of this year’s Crimson Connections Champion, Annie Campbell Johnson, who was one of five nominees for the honor.

Laurie Labishak, market director for Trinity Health System, said nearly 1,000 votes were cast in an online survey to determine the award’s winner.

It was noted Johnston, who is co-owner of M&M True Value Hardware Store, has been an active member of First Westminster Church, a regular supporter of the Friendship Rom and a founder of Badge Buddies.

Through the latter program, children at Pugliese Elementary East meet with local law enforcement officers each month to participate in various activities.

In accepting the award — with her daughter, Paisley — Johnston said, “I don’t do what I do to be in the spotlight. I think we need more good in the world.”

She said she’s happy to do her part in helping others.

Johnston thanked her husband, Chad; and other family members and friends for their support.

The other nominees were: Sydney Cain, an emergency medical technician with the Hancock County Emergency Medical Service who also has established a mentor group to help people overcoming addiction; Lisa Kush, clinical and intervention specialist with Trinity Health System who has used social media to spread awareness of health issues; Dana Meadows, a nurse practitioner known for going above and beyond to aid her patients; and Rebekah Cohen Morris, founder of the Mother of Mercy Maternity Home, which aids pregnant women in crisis.

Laurie Labishak, market director for Trinity Health System, told the many in attendance contact with others is vital to one’s well-being because it opens the door for communication about health concerns that may require prompt treatment.

Labishak encouraged women particularly “to know your body and tell your doctors if something doesn’t feel right.”

On hand for the event were Trinity staff who offered blood pressure screenings and other information as well as chair massages and a beauty boutique sponsored by many area businesses.

Following the award presentation, Kush stressed symptoms of heart disease for women often differ from those for men.

Often more subtle, they can include pain in one’s jaw, nausea and shortness of breath, she noted.

“Women are nine times more likely to delay treatment, and self-care is so important,” said Kush, while noting it’s important for women, who wear so many hats in their lives, care for themselves if they hope to care for others.

“Women have been blessed with this impeccable gift called intuition, and they should use it,” she said.

Kush also encouraged those who have been treated for heart disease and other health issues to share their stories with others.

“That just might save a life,” she said.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)