Franklin County recognizes Black History Month; Tuskegee Airmen leader, American Heart Association speak

Franklin County Commissioners opened their Feb. 4 meeting with recognitions for Black History Month and American Heart Month.

Gregory Edmonds, identified in the meeting as president of the Tuskegee Airmen Ohio Memorial Chapter, recounted the group’s history of overcoming segregation and outlined upcoming youth programs, including a Pathway to Aerospace drone-training program on March 25 and the Buckeye Tigers youth program in July. “I joined the Tuskegee Airmen in the Detroit chapter … in 1995,” Edmonds said, describing local chapter activity and opportunities for youth. He asked commissioners and attendees to support the March and July programs and read the poem “I Can” by Walter Wintle at the close of his remarks.

Nancy Tobey, executive director of the American Heart Association, thanked the board for passing a resolution recognizing American Heart Month and described cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S., emphasizing prevention and partnerships with Franklin County Public Health. “Our work alongside Franklin County Public Health is helping to make sure that everyone has access to care,” Tobey said.

A survivor who identified herself as Allie (Ali/Allie) Dorset described her experience with undetected heart disease after childbirth, a stress echo that revealed an enlarged left ventricle and an ejection fraction she reported as 20 percent, genetic testing that indicated a risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, and subsequent implantation of an internal defibrillator at Ohio State. “Now that I know, I’m able to take the right actions,” Dorset said, urging others to pay attention to symptoms and seek care.

The board presented the American Heart Month resolution and offered photos with AHA representatives before moving to the regular agenda.