DAYTON, Ohio, January 7, 2025 – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in Dayton, Michelle Adkins, Premier Health and The Christ Hospital Health Network & Vascular Institute, will serve as the 2024-2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in Dayton. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Adkins will play a critical role in women’s health by leading Dayton’s Go Red for Women Luncheon, and the launch of Dayton’s Women of Impact 2025 campaign.

 

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.[2] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

 

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because I’ve seen first hand the critical importance of raising awareness for heart health – especially for women,” said Adkins. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

 

Adkins has been a director of nursing for 21 years, serving as project lead for the development of an adult ECMO program at Premier Health and had oversight for the Heart Failure clinic for several years.

 

“We are incredibly grateful for Adkins and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Stephanie Yenn, American Heart Association Dayton Executive Director. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”

 

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on February 6, 2025 at the Dayton Go Red for Women Luncheon.

 

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Dayton Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Premier Health.

 

To purchase tickets to the Dayton Go Red for Women Luncheon visit heart.org/DaytonGoRed

 

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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.orgFacebookX 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:

Katie Kwapich

Katie.Kwapich@heart.org

419-260-5808

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

heart.org and stroke.org