CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2024 - This year, more than 600 people dressed in red will attend the Metropolitan Chicago Go Red for Women Executive 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 toward health equity for women.

In Illinois, heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of residents, respectively. Heart disease claims the lives of more than 20% of Illinoisians annually. Illinois also has the 19th-highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country, as of 2017. In Chicago, the 30-year life expectancy gap between the downtown Streeterville community and the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side is the largest in the U.S.[1] [2]

“One thing that really drew me to the American Heart Association and the Go Red for Women campaign is that it recognizes that not all patients are the same, especially when considering women and cardiovascular disease. Women’s cardiac needs can diverge from those of men – with often different symptoms – so their voices are critical in the conversation,” said Catherine Estrampes, Go Red for Women co-chair and president & CEO of GE HealthCare, U.S. and Canada. “We want to place HER back at the center of her care journey where we can tell the complete story of her heart across the full continuum of care – even before she first starts showing symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment, and all the way through intelligent monitoring that keeps her unique needs at the forefront.”

“To be the co-chair for Go Red for Women during such a pivotal time for the American Heart Association is truly an honor,” said Andy DeLaO, Go Red for Women co-chair and GE HealthCare’s chief marketing & strategy officer, U.S. & Canada. “The Centennial theme of Bold Hearts truly speaks to what we are seeing the women involved with this movement do throughout Chicago and nationwide. They are boldly advocating for better health outcomes, boldly sharing their stories and boldly empowering the women in their communities to Go Red for themselves and for each other.”

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.[3] 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.[4] That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.

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. This year, the Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon will also celebrate Dr. Annabelle Santos Volgman and the RUSH Heart Center for Women as its 20th Anniversary Legacy Honorees, for their trailblazing work addressing gaps in cardiovascular health for women. Dr. Volgman is a long-time volunteer of the American Heart Association in Chicago. She co-founded the RUSH Heart Center for Women in 2003 and has served as its director for more than two decades.

“When cardiovascular disease strikes, powerful connections ensure no woman must go it alone. Going red for each other means we are in this fight together,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Our board members, our three incredibly brave survivors and every single person standing alongside us as part of this movement, exemplify how women can drive transformative change when we work together and learn from each other.”.

 “Go Red for Women is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives,” she continued. “And by coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by GE HealthCare, Dover and KPMG. For more information, contact Meghan Gaeger at Meghan.Gaeger@heart.org or Chicago Go Red for Women.

 

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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:
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org