JACKSON, MS, June 1, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women [1] in metro Jackson and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Pam Gordon, president and COO of Story Financial Partners, serving as chair of Jackson’s 2026 Go Red for Women® movement.
Gordon has raised funds and increased awareness of women’s heart health in the Metro Jackson area. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives and to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
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.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Gordon. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: for women, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk [2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
For the 2nd year, the event features local women and teens - Women of Impact and Teen of Impact - who compete in a nine-week campaign to raise life-saving funds for research. Both campaigns yielded winners that were first and second place in the Southeast Region.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Pam’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Jackson, “ said Jennifer Hopping, executive director, American Heart Association – Jackson.
The Heart Association will celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Friday, June 5th at the Jackson Go Red for Women Luncheon, Jackson Convention Complex. The event will feature a health and wellness expo at 10:30 a.m., lunch and program at noon, including a heart and stroke survivor fashion show.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. Local sponsors include Ergon, TrueCare, Entergy, Baptist, CommScope, CSpire, Howard Industries, Paul Moak Honda, and Prado Hotel. For more information, visit heart.org/jxngored.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. 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:
Mary Brinson mary.brinson@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
