CHATTANOOGA, TN, April 17, 2023 — More than 450 people to gather at the Chattanooga Convention Center on May 19, 2023 at the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to raise awareness and funds to fight cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined. This year’s co-chairs are Stacy Lightfoot, University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Dalya Qualls White, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

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 the Go Red for Women movement. While advocacy and educational campaigns focused on heart disease have increased awareness of the prevalence of the disease in women, health disparities still exist.  

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

Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR partly because people fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the person. 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 Go Red for Women Luncheon is not just about wearing red. This is about all of us standing together and doing something to fight our No. 1 killer, which claims the lives of 1 in every 3 women. Losing even one woman to this largely preventable and treatable disease is too many,” said Stacy Lightfoot, co- chair of the Go Red for Women Luncheon in Chattanooga.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Chattanooga Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by VIC Vascular Institute, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Parkridge Health System, Local 3, City Scope Magazine, Health Scope Magazine, Plainview, Ruby Falls, More in Common Alliance, and The Grace Frank Group. For more information visit chattanoogagored.heart.org.

 

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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 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:

Beth Wright, Community Impact Director

Beth.Wright@heart.org