GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 1, 2023 – Women are statistically less likely to receive lifesaving CPR compared to men. That’s one of the reasons cardiovascular disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. It claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined.[1] According to a 2022 American Heart Association Presidential Advisory, investing in and improving research, awareness and equity in women’s heart health are critical for the health and well-being of women.
Through the Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, urges everyone to acknowledge National Wear Red Day® on Feb. 3, and “go red” by taking action throughout the entire month to help reduce heart disease in women everywhere.
Here are seven ways to “Go Red” with the American Heart Association this February:
- Take the American Heart Association’s “Be The Beat” challenge for someone in every household or family to learn the two steps to perform Hands-Only CPR—call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute—in just 90 seconds at heart.org. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
- Wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, to raise awareness about the No. 1 killer of women. The iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel are available at ShopHeart.org.
- Support the 9-week Woman of Impact campaign starting February 3rd. Each year a select group of individuals across the Upstate are nominated by their peers to become an American Heart Association Women of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference in the community and raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular health.
- Donate to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work at WearRedDay.org. The Big Lots Foundation, corporate partner for American Heart Association Wear Red Day, will match online donations up to $333,333 until Feb. 5.
- Get a free heart health screening. During American Heart Month, Go Red for Women national sponsor CVS Health is offering heart health screenings at no-cost—no insurance required—at all MinuteClinic locations nationwide. Download a voucher at GoRedforWomen.org/HeartMonth and present it at your local MinuteClinic location to get your screening and learn your numbers.
- Join Research Goes Red™. Historically, clinical studies have not included enough women, particularly women of color. Go Red for Women and Verily’s Project Baseline have joined forces to launch Research Goes Red, an initiative inviting women across the United States to contribute to health research. Join Research Goes Red at projectbaseline.com/gored.
- Spread the word on social media throughout the month using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive, #HeartMonth, #CPRwithHeart and #GoRedforWomen and tag us in your content @americanheartsc.
“Between home and work, women are usually holding up a lot of different things at once, and that doesn’t leave much time or energy for self-care,” said Michelle Albert, American Heart Association volunteer and President Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern endowed chair in Cardiology, professor of medicine and admissions dean at University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. “It’s very important that women carve out that time for their own physical and mental health and that they get support from their loved ones and communities to do so.”
Find resources to support women’s heart heath at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org.
###
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 large 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 19 years, 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).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800- AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Mattie Lee: mattie.lee@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System: public use data file documenta-tion: mortality multiple cause-of-death micro-data files. Accessed April 8, 2022. www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/mortality_public_use_data.htm