NEW ORLEANS – Dec. 19, 2023 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Dr. Rupa Jolly, DDS, and Martine Chaisson Linares, local art gallery owner, as the community volunteer chairwomen of the 2023-2024 New Orleans area Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association to increase women’s heart and brain health awareness and to improve the health of women locally, nationally, and globally.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. It continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.

“So often, women are the ones giving to others to their detriment. As a wife and a mother, I feel the need to use my voice to bring the focus back to their health,” Linares said. “Educating women about taking the time for their own health will have benefits not just for the women themselves, but the quality of life with their families.”

“As someone in the medical community, I have come to learn that most women do not realize that heart disease is the number 1 killer of women. I want to be part of educating women that it can be preventable,” said Dr. Jolly. “As someone who has family and friends who have heart conditions, I feel strongly about being part of a community of passionate women who are making a difference and bringing awareness to heart disease.”

“We are thrilled to have Rupa and Martine’s passion, drive, and energy help to drive Go Red in New Orleans. Their dedication to serving others through the mission of the American Heart Association is boundless. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association in Greater New Orleans.

Additionally, the Women of Impact initiative will be rolling out again in February 2024. Women are nominated by their peers to participate in this engaging challenge. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, March 1st, at the 2024 New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon, locally sponsored by United Healthcare and LCMC Health.

For more information or to inquire about tickets to the New Orleans Go Red for Women luncheon, visit Heart.org/NOLAGoRed or email AHANewOrleans@heart.org.

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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 nearly 80 percent 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 18 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. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us locally on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

For media inquiries:

Mary Fein; mary.fein@heart.org