GRAND RAPIDS, JANUARY 30, 2023 — The American Heart Association is partnering with the community to light Grand Rapids red during February to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women.
In conjunction with National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3, the Blue Bridge and Amway Grand Plaza will turn their buildings red in recognition of the nationwide Go Red for Women® movement.
Go Red for Women sponsors University of Michigan Health West, Corewell Health, and Trinity Health will be turning portions of their campuses red, too. This February, the American Heart Association is also proud to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to raise awareness of our youth programs in conjunction with Go Red for Women.
American Heart Association mascot, “Hearty” will be making an appearance February 3 with students and staff at GRPS and the various Grand Rapids businesses supporting the organization’s mission to be a relentless force for healthier lives for all. Other area businesses wanting to participate in #WearRedDay can use the local social media hashtag #GrandRapidsGoRed to share photos wearing red to show their support.
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has been raising money for lifesaving research. The movement 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.
“It’s not just about wearing red. It’s about all women making a commitment to stand together with Go Red and taking charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they can’t bear to live without,” said Jana Siminski, Executive Director, American Heart Association – West Michigan.
Heart disease accounts for one in three deaths each year, but most cardiovascular conditions can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes. Wear Red Day is the kickoff to American Heart Month.
Amy Stahley, Interim Dean of Health Professions, Davenport University has been named Chairwoman of the organization’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon. This year’s signature fundraising event will be held Thursday, February 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Watermark Country Club and will feature a plated lunch, silent auction, and health screenings.
“As a nurse, I have personally witnessed the devastation resulting from a cardiac arrest and stroke. I am a firm believer in education and health equity; a mission of the American Heart Association believes that everyone, everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full and healthy life,” Stahley said.
This year’s luncheon 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.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Grand Rapids luncheon is locally sponsored by University of Michigan Health West, Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Meijer, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
For more information and to register to attend the Go Red for Women Luncheon, contact (616) 482-1502 or visit our website here.
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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 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:
Matt Johnson, Communications Director: matt.johnson@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org