Baton Rouge, La. – January 8, 2025 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Lesley Tilley, chief operating officer of Woman’s Hospital, as the community volunteer chair of the 2024-2025 Capital Area 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 to serve as a catalyst for change to improve women’s lives 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.
“I have worked in healthcare as a nurse for 30+ years, and I have a deep commitment to addressing our community's health and wellness needs,” said Tilley. “Additionally, cardiovascular disease has affected both sides of my family - my mother, father, father-in-law, and husband. Without the work of the Go Red for Women movement and the American Heart Association, I may not have these people in my life today. This initiative is important to me because it educates women about their risks and empowers them to take proactive steps toward heart health through advocacy, support, and community engagement that actively make a difference across Baton Rouge.”
“We are thrilled to have Lesley’s experience, conviction and passion help drive Go Red in Greater Baton Rouge. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Kerin Spears, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Louisiana.
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, February 7 at the 2025 Capital Area Go Red for Women Luncheon. The event is sponsored by: Cardio Health Solutions (Live Fierce Capital Area sponsor), Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascular Institute (Live Fierce Take Action sponsor), RJ Daigle and Sons Contractors Inc., Coleman Consulting Group LLC, Woman’s Hospital, Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Celtic Group, Gerry Lane Enterprises, Hancock Whitney, Ochsner Health, Parish Construction & Roofing, Velocity Clinical Research, and WellCare. Media sponsors include: WBRZ-TV, The Advocate, and Guaranty Media.
For more information about Go Red for Women visit Heart.org/capitalareagored or call 225.666.4287.
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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:
Mary Fein, Communications Director