CHICAGO (WLS) — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women.
Less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is changing women’s health through the Go Red for Women movement. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed awareness and clinical care gaps of a woman’s greatest health threat.
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The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but your heart health can’t wait. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go, The Chicago Go Red for Women event will bring more than 500 Chicagoans together to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program will honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and raise critical dollars to continue the Go Red For Women’s national mission to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, and events like this one are essential to raising awareness and providing education so women understand their risks – and how to reduce them,” said Liz Connelly, Go Red for Women co-chair and chief commercial officer at CDW.
Go Red for Women is meeting the health and wellness needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible health solutions. Go Red for Women is also focused on supporting women-centric research and committed to closing gaps in care and support.
“Our greatest asset in this ongoing journey is our ability to build connections – the people we meet, educate and motivate today drive progress for the future,” said Terika Richardson, co-chair of the Chicago 2026 Go Red for Women campaign and senior executive vice president and chief operating officer at CommonSpirit Health. “By fostering these connections with humankindness, we can ensure every woman is supported, informed, and no one faces this journey alone.”
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re investing in solutions designed for women’s unique health needs,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Here in Chicago, we set a goal for this year to be the best year for Go Red For Women yet. That means inspiring more students to pursue stem careers through our STEM Goes Red program, and driving more funds toward cardiovascular research, care and innovation. We are not stopping our work or resting on our accomplishments, because women deserve support for their health and well-being at every age and stage of life.”
Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women are taking action to live longer and healthier. Red Means Go.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Chicago Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by CDW and CommonSpirit Health.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day.
Connect on heart.org or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
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