NEW HAVEN, CT, January 3, 2023 –The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announces that the 2023 New Haven Go Red for Women event will take place in person on Wednesday, February 8. This event, which supports women’s heart health in Connecticut, was a virtual event for the last two years due to COVID-19.

This signature event, Heart Smart Ways to Celebrate Your Life, will take place from 5-8 pm at the New Haven Lawn Club at 193 Whitney Avenue. The evening will feature a keynote address by Gina Barreca of Connecticut, an inspirational survivor speaker, a silent auction, and more.

The 2023 Go Red for Women event is chaired by cardiologist Lisa Freed, MD, director of the Women’s Heart and Vascular Program, part of the Heart and Vascular Center at Yale New Haven Hospital. As event chair for a fifth year, Dr. Freed is leading the organizational efforts in the Greater New Haven area. The event is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death of women in the United States, and to generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women.

“As a healthcare organization, we are committed to continue the fight to end heart disease and stroke in women. Being back in person allows us to connect, network, share our individual experiences, and raise awareness of this number one killer of women – cardiovascular disease – while funding lifesaving research,” said Dr. Freed. “I am so honored to have this opportunity to support women’s cardiovascular health in this fun and informative setting for a fifth year.”

Keynote speaker Gina Barreca, Ph.D. is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut and is the author of ten books, including the bestseller They Used to Call Me Snow White, But I Drifted, as well as Babes in Boyland: A Personal History of Coeducation in the Ivy League and It’s Not That I’m Bitter: How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Visible Panty Lines and Conquer the World. Translated into Chinese, Japanese, German, Spanish, and several other languages, she is recognized internationally as an expert on humor and everyday life. Called “Smart and funny” by People magazine and deemed a “feminist humor maven” by Ms. magazine, Barreca has been published by The New York Times, The Independent of London, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Harvard Business Review, and often appeared as a repeat guest on the “Today” show, CNN, the BBC, PBS, NPR, and 20/20. Barreca's Psychology Today blog has received more than 7.5 million views. She is now editing the Fast Women series for Woodhall Press, gathering works from women writers from ages 19-89. She can be found in the Library of Congress and the make-up aisle at Walgreens.

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” almost as many women as men die each year of heart disease in the United States. Despite increases in awareness over the past decade, only 44% of women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Haven Go Red event is locally supported by the Live Fierce, Reduce Your Risk Platform Sponsor, the Heart and Vascular Center at Yale New Haven Health.

For more information on the New Haven Go Red for Women event go to 2022-2023 New Haven Go Red for Women. For event sponsorship, contact Todd Boe at Todd.Boe@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 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries:
Mary Ann Burns, Communications Director: 413.335.9044 or Mary.Ann.Burns@heart.org  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org