MINNEAPOLIS, Mn - Jan. 31, 2024 - To kick off February as American Heart Month, five Twin Cities women are joining the American Heart Association to fight their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the Woman of Impact initiative. Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact nominees will raise funds from February 2 to April 4 that will support research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent CVD in women.
Women experience unique life stages that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. In fact, CVD is the number one killer of new moms as the leading case of maternal mortality.[1] The good news is, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education which is the foundation of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, so it’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same, “said Jaimie Mattson, 2024 Go Red for Women Chair. “Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[2]. I am here to encourage women to raise their voices and make sure all Minnesota women know how to take steps now to protect our hearts later.”
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, will launch in more than 100 cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Twin Cities American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
The 2024 Minnesota Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Jasmine Brett Stringer: CEO and Founder at Carpe Diem with Jasmine
- Sarah Burkitt: Teacher at Beth El Synagogue: Aleph Preschool
- Lisa Matre: People / Finance / Operations Leader
- Jen Thorson: Nonprofit Executive
- Laura Skadsberg: Senior Director, Cardiac Surgery Quality at Medtronic
In April, one nominee will be named the 2024 Minnesota Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.
“By using their influence, their local networks and their unique lived experiences, these volunteers can make a measurable difference in Minnesota, and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Krista Moffett, Twin Cities Executive Director. “Cardiovascular disease remains a top killer amongst women and Woman of Impact truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in the Minnesota visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=10640&pg=entry.
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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:
Olivia LaVoy: Olivia.lavoy@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Centers for Disease Control Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Table: Causes of Pregnancy-Related Deaths
[2], [2][2], [2][2][2] , [2]V 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