Two faculty members from UT Health Science Center’s College of Nursing have been nominated as Women of Impact for the American Heart Association Mid-South. They are the college’s Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, and Assistant Professor Jamila Smith-Young, DNP, MPH, CPNP-AC.
Dr. Likes and Dr. Smith-Young are both nurse practitioners and are among 10 women across the Mid-South who have been selected for a nine-week fundraising and awareness competition to highlight cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in women. Launching on National Wear Red Day, February 7, the nominees’ campaigns will support the life-saving mission of the American Heart Association (AHA).
Women of Impact nominees form impact teams, leveraging their influence in their respective communities to educate women on the risks of heart disease and to raise money for research – all while earning points for the impact they are making in their communities. At the end of the fundraising and awareness campaign, the nominee who makes the greatest impact and raises the most funds will be named her community’s Woman of Impact winner. The nominee who earns the most points in the country will be named the AHA National Woman of Impact Winner.
“I am grateful to be part of this campaign because my story highlights how silent heart disease can be,” Dr. Likes said. “In my 40s, I discovered that I had high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. I had never been on medication before, and it was a big adjustment to recognize that I needed to take medication and adjust my diet to address my health. I encourage all women to prioritize their health, get their annual physicals, and take care of themselves. You are worth it.”
Dr. Smith-Young is the wife of Memphis Mayor Paul Young and practices as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. She is also a member of the college’s faculty through an academic practice partnership between the College of Nursing and Le Bonheur.
“My ‘why’ for this campaign is for me to make a difference in spreading awareness about heart disease in women,” she said. “As women, we can find ourselves always doing for others and not paying attention to our own health. As a nominee, I welcome the opportunity to empower women and build community by educating people about the risks and signs of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. This campaign is one way I can contribute to improving health outcomes in my community.”
The Women of Impact Campaign takes place in more than 100 communities across the United States. Established in 1945, the American Heart Association has worked with volunteers and supporters for more than 100 years to help people build longer and healthier lives. Learn more about Women of Impact Mid-South.