PALM SPRINGS, CA, April 12, 2023 — Local women and men decked out from head to toe in red are expected to gather Friday, April 14th at Coachella Valley’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon and Woman of Impact Celebration to raise awareness and help fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, which claim the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Since 2004, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has engaged more than 2 million women to learn their risk of heart disease and stroke, and take powerful steps to take charge of their health through its Go Red for Women movement. While advocacy and educational campaigns focused on heart disease have made great strides in improving knowledge and attitudes among women, health disparities still exist among and between women.  

With a theme of Be the Beat, this year’s luncheon will feature tools and information to help the Coachella Valley improve training and bystander CPR rates for women, who are still less likely to receive bystander CPR than men.

“Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR partly because people fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the person,” said Edith Jones-Poland, MD, Medical Director Clinical Quality at Desert Oasis Healthcare. “By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, they learn how simple the technique is and gain confidence that will help them act quickly in an emergency.”

The American Heart Association notes nearly three out of every four cardiac arrests happen in homes and is calling for at least one person in every household to learn Hands-Only CPR this April. The two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR are to call 911 and to push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

“The Go Red for Women Luncheon is more than wearing red to show your support.  It’s about all of us standing together to fight our No. 1 killer, which claims the lives of 1 in every 3 women,” said Linda Evans, Mayor of La Quinta and 2022 Woman of Impact. “Losing even one woman to this largely preventable and treatable disease is too many.”

Guests will rally at the heart-healthy event around the goal of raising awareness and money to advance women's health through research, education, and advocacy initiatives. The celebration will include a health expo, auction, and a keynote from co-host of HGTV’s Inside Out, Carmine Sabatella.

This year’s luncheon will also honor 3 local Woman of Impact nominees and name the 2023 Woman of Impact winner. Every year across the country, a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of Woman of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This competition is relentlessly focused on women’s heart health. Launching on National Wear Red Day, nominees worked to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their networks to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. This special group of changemakers will be celebrated for the overall impact they have on the American Heart Association mission and community.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. 

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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.

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.  

Media Contact:

Daniel Ruacho

daniel.ruacho@heart.org / 480-773-2355