ODESSA, Texas, April 23, 2024 – Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center marketing manager Sydney Gore is the executive volunteer chair of the 2023-2024 Permian Basin 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, Gore will play a critical role by leading the Permian Basin’s efforts to improve maternal health and women’s mental well-being across the state.

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 the Permian Basin women’s greatest health threat.

For Gore, the American Heart Association is a family affair. Her mother, Jacqui Gore, was the chairperson of the Go Red Luncheon for several years. She enlisted Sydney and her sister to help. Gore has been a member of the Permian Basin Go Red for Women movement executive leadership team for three years.

“My maternal grandmother had a heart attack when I was in high school,” Sydney Gore said. “I was very close to my grandmother and watched her go through cardiac therapy and the long-lasting effects of heart disease.” She hopes that this event will bring more awareness of CVD to women in the Permian Basin.

Sydney has a passion for anything that creates better health outcomes for residents in this area," said Ashley Quintana, development director for the Association in the Permian Basin. "Her commitment to the American Heart Association mission shines through in her work as chairperson for our luncheon."

This year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon will include a physicians panel on how to women can live longer, healthier lives. Speakers will speak to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8TM, a construct of cardiovascular health (CVH), including blood pressure, lipids, glucose, body mass index, nicotine exposure, diet, physical activity and sleep health. Defined by the American Heart Association, these key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health help lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other major health problems.

Panelists will include:

  • Kathryn Hutton, DO and assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-Permian Basin
  • Dr. Stephanie Kubacak, board certified in internal medicine, Medical Center Hospital
  • Dr. Manohar Angirekula, board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology – Medical Center Hospital
  • Dr. Chelcee Porter, functional medicine pharmacist with Porter Wellness Consulting

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 at the Permian Basin Go Red for Women Luncheon Wednesday, May 8 at the Odessa Marriott and Convention Center.

The Permian Basin Go Red for Women Luncheon is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally presented by Medical Center Hospital. Media support comes from KMID/KPEJ and Lamar Advertising.

More information can be found at heart.org/PermianBasinGoRed

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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:

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org


[1], [1][1], [1][1][1] , [1]V   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