(NORTHEAST OHIO) Feb. 4, 2025 – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only 44% of women are aware that CVD is their greatest health threat. To help fight this statistic and spread lifesaving awareness, twelve women from across the nation have been selected as part of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors.

The Go Red for Women Class of Survivors are national volunteers representing a diverse sisterhood of survivors, who actively, urgently and passionately champion the Go Red for Women movement. Often the surprising faces of cardiovascular disease, the survivors share their powerful stories to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women and inspire others to take charge of their health and well-being.

This year’s class includes Rajini Poth, Ph.D., of Hudson, Ohio who suffered an ischemic stroke in 2016 while driving. Poth parked, then realized she couldn’t move. Sitting paralyzed in her car for hours, Poth somehow mustered up the strength to use the voice-to-text feature to send a message to her sister on social media. Unbeknownst to Poth, her message was garbled and didn’t make sense. Thankfully her sister, who is a nurse, knew the warning signs and sent an ambulance to Poth’s location.

“I had no idea I was having a stroke,” Poth explained. “When it comes to a stroke, time loss is brain loss. I want other women to learn the warning signs so they can act fast and help save themselves or someone they love.”

Since 2008, this annual class of national ambassadors share their personal experiences with cardiovascular disease, speaking out publicly through social media, local and national news media, as well as within their own communities. These inspirational women help motivate others to understand their risk and learn the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke.

Find educational resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 7 at WearRedDay.org.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X 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:
Chelsea Caldwell: chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org