JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2023) – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is pleased to announce Christina Clohecy, as the chairwoman for the 2023 Go Red for Women® campaign.
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 a woman’s greatest health threat and the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Clohecy, who is the American Heart Association’s First Coast board member and chief financial officer at Newfold Digital, will be joined by other First Coast executives by fundraising, spreading awareness, and education about heart health to make an impact in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Clohecy shares a deep passion for the American Heart Association's mission, which is why she is returning to chair the movement. In addition to serving on the board, she is a Circle of Red member, Cor Vitae member at the Champions Circle level and involved in the STEM Goes Red program.
Previously, she chaired the 2020-2021 First Coast Go Red for Women movement, raising over $760,000. She also helped launch the inaugural First Coast Women of Impact initiative that garnered over $130,000 and Teen of Impact initiative that drew in $60,000.
“I am motivated by how the American Heart Association is actively working to address issues of health equity and access to health care on the First Coast, specifically among underserved communities and for women,” said Clohecy. “Women tend to push their own healthcare aside because we wear many hats amongst the demands of life. We need to remind women that it’s ok to take off our superwomen capes for a washing and to recharge. We need to prioritize our own health to be the best version of ourselves.”
Clohecy will lead the 2023 First Coast Go Red for Women movement with a goal to fundraise $800,000. Also, she will oversee its signature, Go Red for Women Luncheon, that will be held on May 12, 2023, at the Florida Blue Conference Center. The First Coast Go Red for Women movement is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and HCA Healthcare Foundation. Local sponsors include Life is Why sponsors Baptist Health and Florida Blue and presenting sponsor Newfold Digital.
“Women of the First Coast deserve quality healthcare and access to healthy foods, which work preventatively to reduce the number of people who suffer from cardiovascular disease and stroke,” Clohecy said. “I look forward to working with the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Cabinet toward its most successful year yet. I’m excited to spread the mission of the American Heart Association and funding more transformative research in the river city.”
While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat. One in three women live with some form of cardiovascular disease. To prevent cardiovascular disease, the Go Red for Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health by learning to understand family health history, knowing their numbers, and making lifestyle changes like moving more and eating smarter. Risk factors that are within women’s control include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity/overweight and diabetes.
Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health. As the trusted, passionate and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women – at every life stage.
“We are grateful for such a passionate leader in Christina with her continued willingness to drive the Go Red for Women movement on the First Coast. Her dedication to quality, equitable health and wellness will reach thousands of women and will encourage them to prioritize their heart health,” said Caitlin Brunell, executive director for the American Heart Association First Coast. “Together, I know we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”
For more information about Go Red and how to get involved, contact Go Red for Women director, Shadia Blair at shadia.blair@heart.org.
###
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.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Marissa Cockrell
Director of Communications and Marketing
American Heart Association First Coast
Email: Marissa.cockrell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org