ORLANDO,FL Jan 22 – Jillyan McKinney, president and CEO of AdventHealth Medical Group and Ambulatory Services will serve as the Executive Volunteer Chair of the 2023-2024 Greater Orlando Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th birthday and Go Red for Women’s 20th anniversary, McKinney will play a critical role by leading Orlando’s Go Red for Women and Circle of Red initiatives.
According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Heart disease and stroke continue to be Orlando women’s greatest health threat.
“I decided to serve as chair of the Go Red for Women campaign because this cause is deeply personal to me,” says McKinney.
“In 2016, just two months away from my husband’s 40th birthday, he bravely fought and survived a devastating stroke. I thought I was going to lose him and relied on my faith in God during what was an unimaginable time for our family. Witnessing the impact stroke had on his life and our family — including our two boys, who were just 1 and 4-years-old at the time — opened my eyes to the urgent need for education and prevention, as well as lifelong whole-person care,” she states.
In Central Florida, participants of the Go Red for Women movement aim to use their influence, generosity and passion to help increase awareness of cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in women — and to inspire women to take charge of their health. Because losing one woman to heart disease is too many.
“I ‘Go Red’ to raise awareness of how women can decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” says Jayne Willis, Greater Orlando Board of Directors member & past Go Red for Women Chair.
“As a long-time registered nurse, I have seen the impact that these conditions can have on individuals and on population health. The work of the AHA is essential in empowering women to take ownership of their health to improve outcomes. I’m proud of the small part I’ve played in the momentum of the Go Red movement over the past two decades,” she continues.
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on February 23 at the 2024 Greater Orlando Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Greater Orlando Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Advent Health and HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information contact Merika Childers at 407.963.0801or visit heart.org/orlandogored.
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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 a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X 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).
For Media Inquiries:
Emory Parkins emory.parkins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023].
Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123