Anchorage, Alaska, December 2, 2022 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to world of healthier lives for all, announces Cinderella Tollefsen, MBA, FACMPE, chief executive officer of Alaska Trauma & Acute Care and Alaska Health Services as the community volunteer chair of the 2022-2023 Anchorage Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally, and globally.
 
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in three women. In Anchorage, Tollefsen will be joined by other city executives working to make an impact in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women. The executive leadership team members include: 
  • Kim Black, Program Manager, Centauri Health Solutions
  • Patricia Fox, MD, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska
  • Ella Goss, Chief Executive Officer, Providence Alaska 
  • Anna Gould, Sr. Business Sales Manager, GCI Communications
  • Margaret Horvath, Executive Director, Alaska Health Alliance with Providence
  • Allison Iversen, Director of Health, Safety, Environment & Compliance, Alyeska Pipeline Services
  • Kimberlee McNew, Program Manager, Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Jennifer Opsut, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Laurie Roy, Administrator, Envoy
  • Sarah Skeel, Executive Director, Cardiac Services, Providence Alaska Medical Center
  • Jacinta Starr, Administrator, Anchorage Neurosurgical Associates 
“I’m proud to lead this outstanding group of community volunteer leaders who are dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women,” Tollefsen said. “Go Red for Women is supporting women in taking charge of their overall health as well as advocating for the removal of barriers women face to achieving good health.” 
 
This year’s theme is Be The Beat and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of knowing CPR and addressing the disparity in the rate that women receive bystander CPR. A 2017 study1 found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest received CPR from strangers in public, compared with 45% of men, and that men's odds of surviving were 23% higher than women. Addressing the fears and myths that may be preventing women from receiving bystander CPR and offering training tools to encourage community members to learn Hands-Only CPR will work toward this goal. 
 
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on February 17 during the 2023 Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored nationally by CVS Health/Aetna, locally presented by Providence Alaska Medical Center and supported by Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute.  For more information about the Go Red for Women Luncheon event or to purchase tickets or a table, visit AnchorageGoRedLuncheon.heart.org.
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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 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 devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association, Alaska via heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.   
 
For Media Inquiries: 
Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)