LOS ANGELES, January 29, 2024 — Betsy Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center, is serving as the chairperson of the 2024 Los Angeles Go Red for Women® movement designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and improve the lives of women globally.

As a former cardiac nurse, Hart understands the burden of cardiovascular disease in women. She has cared for many patients and dedicated her career to developing programs aimed at advancing cardiac care.

While a great deal of progress has been made in the fight against heart disease since Go Red for Women was established in 2004, Hart said the work is far from over. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, notably affecting women of color and those in under-resourced communities.

“As women, we often prioritize the well-being of others ahead of our own health needs,” Hart said. “It’s imperative that we transform this narrative by educating ourselves and others on the importance of cardiovascular health, preventive care and overall wellness. The Go Red for Women campaign stands as a pivotal platform for precisely this purpose — engaging communities and raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, especially among women and in areas facing health disparities.”

Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Women experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime.

For two decades, Go Red for Women has been saving and improving women’s lives in the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness.

The movement and its local achievements will be celebrated at the Los Angeles Go Red for Women Luncheon on March 20, 2024 at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. More than 200 supporters are expected at the luncheon, which will also mark the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday.

Go Red for Women is focused on the following areas:

  • Research: Women continue to be underrepresented and underfunded in research and STEM fields. Research Goes Red and STEM Goes Red are aimed at increasing funding and research on cardiovascular disease in women.
  • Maternal Health and Moms: The U.S. has one of the worst maternal mortality rates among developed countries, and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise due to cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women is advocating for equitable health care and closing the gaps in education, resources and support.
  • Mental Well-being in Women: Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression. Go Red for Women is developing solutions to promote positive well-being and support across every stage of a woman’s life.
  • Awareness: Go Red for Women continues to raise awareness to help women understand their risk and take charge of their health.

Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Keck Medicine of USC, SCAN Health Plan and UCLA Health. For more information about the Go Red for Women Luncheon, go to heart.org/goredla.

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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:

Kristine Kelly, Kristine.Kelly@heart.org

For public inquiries:

1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721), heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1] Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023]. Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123