KALAMAZOO, JANUARY 3, 2023 - Heart disease remains the number 1 killer of women worldwide and women are 23% less likely to survive cardiac arrest than men. That’s the motivation behind the American Heart Association’s 2023 Kalamazoo Go Red for Women® Luncheon to be held Thursday, February 2 at 11 a.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel.
Erin Visscher, Vice President, Private Bank Relationships, Huntington Bank will chair the signature event designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States. The nationwide movement generates funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women.
“I am proud to serve as Chair for the 2023 Kalamazoo Go Red for Women campaign.” Visscher said. “Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association have been personally impactful to my family as we suddenly lost my father-in-law to a cardiac arrest. He was also a congestive heart failure patient, and we are immensely grateful for the extra time we were able to have with him because of the work of the American Heart Association and support of the community.”
The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is hosting the Go Red for Women Luncheon for its 16th year in Kalamazoo. Last year’s return to an in-person event raised over $175,000 for the Go Red for Women movement.
This year’s luncheon theme is Be The Beat and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of knowing CPR and addressing the disparity in the rate that women receive bystander CPR. A 2017 study found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest received CPR from strangers in public, compared with 45% of men. Addressing the fears and myths that may be preventing women from receiving bystander CPR and offering training tools to encourage community members to learn Hands-Only CPR will work toward this goal.
Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health. As the trusted, passionate, and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke, through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast in its commitment to being a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.
“I am grateful for what the American Heart Association made possible for my family and am dedicated to continuing to save lives from cardiovascular disease and stroke in our community,” Visscher said.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Kalamazoo luncheon is locally sponsored by Ascension Borgess Health, Bell’s Brewery, Huntington Bank, and Kim Griffin and Dr. Bruce Row.
For more information and to register to attend the Go Red For Women Luncheon, contact (734) 717-2768 or visit our website.
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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Matt Johnson, Communications Director: matt.johnson@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org