[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 6 (Monday, February 18, 2008)]
[Pages 179-180]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Heart Truth Reception

February 11, 2008

    Thank you all. Welcome to the White House. Laura and I are glad 
you're here, and thanks for coming. I welcome members of my Cabinet. I 
particularly want to thank all the healers and compassionate folks who 
help with heart disease. The Vice President sends his best. [Laughter]
    All of us here are committed to America's heart health. I don't know 
if our fellow citizens know this, but this is American Heart Month. And 
it's a good time to remember that an estimated 80 million people across 
the United States suffer from heart disease. The disease is the number-
one killer of American men and women. Many women, however, do not even 
know they're at risk, and so they don't take simple steps that can 
protect their health.
    And that's where the Heart Truth Campaign comes in. Over the last 5 
years, I appreciate the fact that you all have spread the word, and you 
represent thousands across our country who are doing so as well. You've 
helped women reduce the factors for heart disease, and that's a noble 
calling, an important contribution to our country. Every February, you 
encourage women to wear the red dress, which I appreciate. And I do want 
to thank the fashion industry for stepping up and--[applause].
    And the results are measurable. Women's awareness has been raised; 
women's lives have been saved. Earlier this month, I was in Kansas City, 
and I met a woman named Joyce Cullen. In 2003, Joyce saw coverage of 
Laura's visit to a Kansas City hospital. She just talked about the 
symptoms that--of

[[Page 180]]

heart disease in women. It was just a simple explanation of what people 
should be aware of. She woke up with those symptoms shortly after 
Laura's visit. She went to the hospital. Her life was saved, and she's 
now a part of Heart Truth. And that's the effort in which you're 
involved--simple acts that are spreading across the country and saving 
lives.
    My job today is not only to welcome you and to thank you but to 
introduce the Heart Truth's national ambassador. Laura is committed to 
the Heart Truth Campaign. She's a great First Lady, and she's always 
dear to my heart--the First Lady.

Note: The President spoke at 4:40 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also 
included the remarks of the First Lady.