KALAMAZOO, Jan. 29, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is commemorating its 100th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of its signature Go Red for Women® movement in 2024 with the Kalamazoo Go Red for Women Gala. The black-tie event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel.
Erin Visscher, vice president, wealth and investment management at Huntington Bank will serve as the event’s chairperson alongside honorary chairperson Barbara Parfet, who helped launch Go Red for Women from its beginnings in Kalamazoo. The pair are leading the community-wide effort to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
“My passion for the Go Red for Women movement has continued to grow since we suddenly lost my father-in-law as he battled congestive heart failure,” Visscher said. “I know firsthand how the work of the American Heart Association has impacted our lives over the last 100 years and the importance of helping raise money for the lifesaving research and advancements that will launch the American Heart Association into its second century.”
Launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association, Go Red for Women’s goal is to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, and advocating for inclusive health policies. Today, Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world.
“Now, more than ever, we go red for our families, our friends and for ourselves. We challenge our community to do the same because when communities come together, we can motivate, educate, and help save each other,” said Jana Siminski, executive director of the American Heart Association – West Michigan.
Ahead of the Go Red for Women Gala, in honor of National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, various Kalamazoo buildings and City Hall will once again turn red in recognition of the nationwide Go Red for Women® movement.
Other area businesses wanting to participate in #WearRedDay can use the local social media hashtag #KzooGoesRed to share photos wearing red to show their support.
Throughout the month of February, the American Heart Association is urging all West Michigan families to learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. With more than 350,0000 people each year experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, including 23,000 children, CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn.[1][2][3]
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Kalamazoo Go Red for Women Gala is locally presented by Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare and is sponsored by Barbara & Bill Parfet, Parker Hannifin, Huntington Bank, Abraxas Worldwide, Stryker, DeNooyer Automotive Family, PNC Bank, and Dave and Ronda Stafford.
For more information and to register to attend the Go Red for Women Gala, contact logann.poley@heart.org 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 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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X 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
[1] Characteristics of paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States - PubMed (nih.gov)
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)