LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 30, 2024 – Heather Baker, president and publisher at Little Rock-based AY Media Group, will be lauded as honorary chairperson of the Central Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon Wednesday May 8 at the Benton Event Center.

The Go Red for Women movement is a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th birthday, Baker is playing a critical role by championing the Central Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon.

According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Heart disease and stroke continue to be Central Arkansas women’s greatest health threat.

"I am proud to be a media sponsor and honorary chairperson of the Go Red for Women luncheon,” Baker said. “As someone who has a history of heart problems, I understand the challenges many of the survivors being honored have faced, and I appreciate the work of organizations like the American Heart Association.

“It is an honor to support the Association in its mission to help people live longer, healthier lives in Arkansas and across the country,” she added.

Baker boasts over 25 years of experience and a track record of successful publications, including her current endeavors, About You (AY) and Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP.)     

Driven by her passion for automobiles, she established the Arkansas AutoBuyer. Later, she led the development of several other notable publications at the Arkansas Times, including Arkansas Wild and Savvy Kids. She also started her own Drive Arkansas.

In addition to About You and Arkansas Money & Politics, AY Media Group produces specialty publications like the Mental Health Guide of Arkansas.

“Heather wholeheartedly engages in various philanthropic projects, assuming the role of a revered community leader,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. Heather's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of crossing her path.

“We are so grateful to have Heather as our honorary Go Red for Women chairperson this year,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. “Her passion for our mission and leadership will make a notable impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. In addition to the luncheon on May 8, the local Go Red for Women movement encompasses the Central Arkansas Survivor Gallery Unveiling and Advocacy Day at the Arkansas Capitol May 1.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and presented locally by Centennial sponsor Saline Health System. Other local sponsors include Live Fierce Centennial sponsor CHI St. Vincent and platinum sponsor Baptist Health. In addition to About You and Arkansas Money & Politics, media support comes from THV11, KURB-FM B98.5, The Saline Courier and the Malvern Daily Record.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community

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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 our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X 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

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1], [1][1], [1][1][1] , [1]V   Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks  JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on  Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023].

Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123