HOLLYWOOD, Fla, February 8, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kathy Salerno, Broward Health Executive Director of Community Relations, and Ana VeigaMilton, President of the José Milton Foundation, as the community volunteer chairs of the 2023-2024 South Florida Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association 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 is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women. In South Florida in 2022, nearly 6,600 women died from major cardiovascular diseases and 1 in 3 women have hypertension.

“I see remarkable stories of adversity and recovery every day,” said Salerno. “Seeing firsthand how the work of the American Heart Association affects the lives of everyday Americans is what inspired me to chair the Go Red Movement this year, and I know we can take our message of self-care and prevention to even more women than ever this year.”

“I am thrilled to help lead the experience, conviction, and passion to amplify the Go Red for Women movement right here in South Florida,” said VeigaMilton. “Together, we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them. I embrace this mission with heart.”

At the Go Red for Women Luncheon the organization will celebrate the American Heart Association’s centennial year, which recognizes the 100 years of funded research that’s led to significant medical advancements in cardiovascular research.

“The American Heart Association will continue to fuel science and innovation, fund lifesaving research, stand for the rights of patients and caregivers, work with communities, and transcend the way we live, work and play,” said Marisol Garcia, Executive Director of the American Heart Association’s Greater-Miami and Fort Lauderdale Market. "This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.”

Her Story is Our Story is the theme of the annual luncheon and guests will be able to see that it can happen to any woman they know or love. The association is raising awareness to Go Red for health, to Go Red for life, to Go Red for good and to Go Red for Women. Together the celebration will recognize survivors in our community who have been directly impacted by the American Heart Association's bold investments and research over the last century.

Returning for a third year is the Woman of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact award winner.

This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on May 17th at the 2024 South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored locally by Broward Health, UHealth - University of Miami Health System, Florida Power & Light Company, Pediatrix Medical Group, José Milton Foundation, CITY Furniture, LaCroix, Cleveland Clinic Florida, HCA Florida Healthcare and media sponsors Brickell Magazine, Haute Living Magazine, Miami Kids Magazine and NBC6/Telemundo.

For more information about Go Red for Women visit the link or contact Michele Fernandez at michele.fernandez@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. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For Media Inquiries:

Christina Vitale: christina.vitale@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org