Makers of Bayer Aspirin Announce Support of National Women’s Heart Health Organization Through Educational Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susan Laine

Phone: 202-728-7199

Email: slaine@womenheart.org

Contact: Anne Coiley

Phone: 973-254-4607

Email: anne.coiley.b@bayer.com

Morristown, NJ (February 9, 2009) – Bayer HealthCare LLC, the makers of Bayer® Aspirin, announced today their support of WomenHeart, the nation’s only education and advocacy organization solely dedicated to promoting women’s heart health, with a $100,000 educational grant from the Bayer USA Foundation.

An estimated 44 million American women live with or are at risk of heart disease, but too many are unaware of the threat they face. In fact, heart disease is the #1 killer of American women with nearly one-third (27.2 percent) of all female deaths each year from heart disease. Of the 500,000 annual deaths from cardiovascular disease, 267,000 women die from heart attacks—six times more than will die from breast cancer.

Additionally, heart disease is more likely to be treated and prevented accurately in men than women. A study published in the May 2008 issue of the journal Heart showed that among heart patients, women were less likely than men to receive beta blockers, statins and ACE inhibitors—medications critical in the treatment of heart disease. Women are also less likely to receive ICDs (an implanted device that helps to control irregular heartbeats) and therapies such as physician-recommended aspirin, which if taken can help prevent certain cardiovascular events.

“The Bayer USA Foundation and Bayer Consumer Care are pleased to support WomenHeart and the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of the lives of women living with or at risk of heart disease,” said Bayer Aspirin Brand Director Rob Schumm. “Its activities align with Bayer’s own cardiovascular public health objectives of increasing the awareness of prevention and early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of heart disease.”

Through the grant, WomenHeart plans to develop an array of educational materials for all women—especially those living with heart disease—such as “Passport to a Healthy Heart” and “Living Well with Heart Disease” pamphlets. In addition, the grant will fund educational programs such as online seminars and support chat rooms.

“WomenHeart is thrilled to have Bayer’s support,” said Lisa M. Tate, CEO of WomenHeart. “The Bayer brand is synonymous with quality and customer care and we are proud to partner with Bayer in our continuing effort to provide information that can help women live longer heart healthier lives.”

About WomenHeart

WomenHeart is the nation’s only national organization solely dedicated to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education and patient support. A nonprofit advocacy organization, WomenHeart is a community of women heart patients and their families, health care providers, advocates and consumers committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. For more information about WomenHeart, visit www.womenheart.org.

About Bayer USA Foundation

The Bayer USA Foundation is an endowed 501(c)(3) entity and is the primary source of Bayer Corporation’s philanthropy in the United States. With a programmatic focus on the environment and sustainability; education and workforce development; arts and culture; and health and human services, the foundation creates and supports organizations that improve communities in which Bayer employees live and work, as well as society at large. The Bayer USA Foundation is one of three Bayer foundations worldwide, including the Bayer Science & Education Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation.

About Bayer Consumer Care

The Consumer Care Division of Bayer HealthCare LLC, is headquartered in Morristown, N.J. Bayer’s Consumer Care Division is among the largest marketers of over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements in the world. Some of the most trusted and recognizable brands in the world today come from the Bayer portfolio of products. These include Bayer® Aspirin, Aleve®, Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Bactine®, Citracal®, RID®, Phillips’® Milk of Magnesia, Midol®, Alka-Seltzer®, One-A-Day®, One-A-Day® Prenatal and Flintstones™ vitamins.

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