Iota Omega
Alpha Phi at the University of Mississippi
Advancing Women’s Lives Through the Power of Philanthropy
Alpha Phi Foundation officially adopted Women’s Heart Health as a priority in 1946, which became the Foundation’s philanthropic priority upon its founding in 1956. Today, the Foundation proudly invests in leadership, scholarship and emergency aid for its members, as well as programs and research that study heart disease in women – specifically its symptoms, treatment and prevention through its annual Heart to Heart Grant.
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Community Service
Alpha Phis are involved in the local community as well! Each semester, you’ll find Phis volunteering at a variety of organizations and giving back in a number of ways. No matter which organization you choose, Alpha Phis are always there to lend a helping hand.
Heart Health Week
We host an annual heart health week in February. We spread the word about Women’s Heart Health by passing out heart healthy chocolates all week! The week concluded with a profit share night at McAlister’s Deli, where proceeds from the night were donated to the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Mac and Phis
Each fall we host our annual Mac n’ Phis philanthropy event. The event is a huge success with a line out the door consisting of the entire greek community, members of the oxford community, family and friends all waiting for a bite of our delicious mac and cheese.
Red Dress Gala
Iota Omega’s Red Dress Gala is our annual philanthropy event supporting the Alpha Phi Foundation. Not only does the Foundation support research and education critical to promoting heart health all over the world, but it also sponsors leadership conferences, scholarships, assistance grants, and a heritage program for members of Alpha Phi. Each year, we look forward to hosting a night of dancing, eating, and bidding on silent auction items to support a cause near and dear to all of our hearts!
1.
In 2012, 56 percent of women identified heart disease as the leading cause of death compared with 30 percent in 1997.
2.
Heart disease causes 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.
3.
90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
4.
Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and the gap between men and women’s survival continues to widen.
5.
The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women vs. men, and are often misunderstood.
6.
Women 25-34 years old had the lowest awareness rate of any age group at 44 percent.