Anchorage, Alaska, Dec. 5, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Grace Greene, chief executive officer of LifeMed Alaska, as the community volunteer chairperson of the 2025 Anchorage Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women in the U.S. and affects nearly 45% of women aged 20 or older. In Alaska, heart attack and stroke continue to be among the top causes of death, however, research has shown that most cardiovascular events can be prevented through increased awareness and lifestyle changes.

“I’m honored to serve as this year’s Go Red for Women chairperson,” said Greene. “Seeing the impact of heart disease on the women in my life inspired me to take action. The American Heart Association's mission to help all women live longer, healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke resonates deeply with me. Together, we can help women understand, prevent and combat their top health threats.”

Serving alongside Greene on this year’s Go Red for Women executive leadership team is a group of dedicated volunteer leaders including:  

  • Andrea Witte, manager of GCI Commercial, GCI
  • April Park, chief operating officer, Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute
  • Ella Goss, chief executive officer, Providence Alaska Medical Center
  • Jennifer Opsut, chief executive officer, Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Jennifer Schrage, president, Signature Land Services
  • Kari Ellsworth, president, The Ellsworth Foundation

"We are thrilled to have Grace Greene as our chairperson leading the Go Red for Women movement. Her dedication to heart health, as well as her understanding of health issues across the state, will help us make significant strides in improving the well-being of women in Anchorage and beyond," said Kristin George, executive director, American Heart Association, Alaska.

Local achievements will be celebrated at the Anchorage Go Red for Women Luncheon on Feb. 14, 2025, at the Dena’ina Center with a keynote from Jude Maboné, who served as Miss District of Columbia and is also a heart attack survivor and advocate. More information about the Luncheon and local Go Red for Women movement is at heart.org/anchoragegored.

The Anchorage Go Red for Women movement is sponsored nationally by CVS Health, locally presented by Providence Alaska and locally supported by Live Fierce, End Tobacco and Vaping sponsor Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and Live Fierce, Take Action sponsor LifeMed Alaska. 

Additional Resources:

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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 more than 20 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 devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For media inquiries:

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org  

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org