Donna Shalala, former Clinton cabinet secretary, has stroke

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Donna Shalala, a former cabinet secretary under President Bill Clinton and current President and CEO of the Clinton Foundation, has had a stroke, a statement from the foundation said.

Shalala, 74, became ill Tuesday shortly after the closing ceremonies of the Clinton Foundation's Clinton Global Initiative, which was held in Manhattan. The former president and his daughter Chelsea, vice chairwoman of the foundation, issued a statement.

"As some of you may have heard, Donna suffered a stroke this evening after CGI. Fortunately, she was with colleagues at the time and taken to the hospital for treatment. Initial reports are very encouraging," the statement said. "We will continue to share updates as we know more. Please join Hillary, Chelsea and me in keeping Donna in your thoughts and prayers."

Bill Clinton reportedly visited Shalala in the hospital Tuesday night following surgery. She was said to be alert and joking.

Shalala, Clinton's secretary of Health and Human Services from 1993 to 2001, is viewed as part of the Clinton inner circle, known for her direct approach with the former president. She was appointed to the Clinton Foundation after serving as University of Miami president, the school's first female leader, for more than a decade