AUSTIN, February 12, 2024 — On February 2, more than 400 people dressed in red attended the annual Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.
One hundred years after its founding, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, looks to its premier women’s movement, Go Red for Women®, to help usher in a second century of pioneering progress towards health equity for women.
During the event, keynote speaker Jennie Garth vulnerably shared her own connection with heart disease and stroke. She shared memories of her time in the hospital after her father’s heart attack at just 37 and the procedures that followed over the next 30 years. She also shared her health journey while also supporting her mom as her health begins to deteriorate.
The luncheon was also an opportunity to share recent accomplishments in Central Texas such as the Screen, Educate & Refer self-measured blood pressure management programs with pregnancy resource centers that is addressing the maternal health mortality epidemic. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and a staggering 90 percent of those deaths were preventable. Cardiovascular disease during pregnancy can leave women and their children at a higher risk of facing a lifetime of heart-related issues.
“I am thrilled to be a part of celebrating the progress Go Red for Women has made over the past 20 years,” said Austin Go Red for Women Centennial Chairperson Virginia Visser. “But we can’t do it alone. It’s time to make bold moves and support innovative solutions for women’s cardiovascular health. Because when we come together, we can motivate, educate, support and help save each other.”
This year, Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon guests rallied at the heart-healthy event and raised over $450,000 to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates 20 years of making an impact, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.
“Whether it’s learning CPR, joining Research Goes Red, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community,” said Caitlin Giesler, M.D., board president of the American Heart Association Central Texas.
As women grow and change so does their risk for 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. In fact, it’s the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally presented by St. David’s HealthCare and sponsored by Texas Mutual, Centre for Neuro Skills, Texas Children’s Hospital, Ascension, Encompass Health, Forvis, H-E-B, ABC Commercial, Austin Fitness Clinic, Austin FC, Cain Foundation, Diana Resnik and Joyce Batcheller, Glumac, HMB, JE Dunn Construction, Interrupted Apparel, Remi & Gold, Truist and VCFO. For more information or to join the movement contact Theresa Tighe at Theresa.Tighe@heart.org or visit heart.org/AustinGoRed.
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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:
Megan Taylor, 512.639.4366, Megan.Taylor@heart.org