BURLINGTON, Vermont, Nov. 12, 2024 – Jessica Wood, director and associate professor at Norwich University School of Nursing will serve as the executive volunteer chairwoman of the 2024-2025 Vermont Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. As the American Heart Association forges ahead into its second century, Wood will play a critical role by leading Vermont Go Red for Women.
According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and stroke continue to be Vermont women’s greatest health threat.
“My motivation to lead this vital initiative stems from the alarming statistics surrounding heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States,” said Wood. “I want to expand the reach of the Go Red for Women campaign, ensuring that we not only raise awareness but also equip women with the tools and resources necessary to understand their risk factors and make informed decisions about their health. By serving as chairwoman, I will work with my team to create opportunities for collaboration, education and empowerment, making a lasting impact on women's cardiovascular health.”
Wood’s career journey as both a labor and delivery registered nurse and women’s health nurse practitioner has given her a firsthand look at the impact of heart disease on women and their families. This has ignited her commitment to drive change for women at every age and stage of their lives.
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 April 24, 2025, at the Vermont Go Red for Women Event.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Vermont Go Red for Women Event is locally sponsored by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, Miles Supply, Northwestern Medical Center. Media Sponsors include Star 92.9 and ABC22 & FOX44.
For more information, contact Brian Shankey at brian.shankey@heart.org or visit Heart.org/VTGoRed.
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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.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).
Anna Heerdt:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1][1], [1][1][1] , [1]V Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023].
Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123
