IRVINE, CA, May 9, 2023 — More than 300 attendees decked out from head to toe in red are expected to gather Friday, May 12th at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach for Orange County’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to raise awareness and help fund the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Since 2004, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has engaged more than 2 million women to learn their risk of heart disease and stroke, and take powerful steps to take charge of their health through its Go Red for Women movement. While advocacy and educational campaigns focused on heart disease have made great strides in improving knowledge and attitudes among women, health disparities still exist among and between women.  

“Heart disease and stroke is the No. 1 killer of women,” said Melanie Graper, chief human resource officer (Ret.) at CoreLogic and chair of the 2023 Orange County Go Red for Women movement. “It’s a sobering statistic: more women die of cardiovascular disease than all cancers combined, and heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.”

With a theme of Be the Beat, this year’s luncheon will feature tools and information to help Orange County improve training and bystander CPR rates for women, who are still less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. The American Heart Association notes nearly three out of every four cardiac arrests happen in homes and is calling for at least one person in every household to learn Hands-Only CPR this May.  The two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR are to call 911 and to push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR. By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, they learn how simple the technique is and gain confidence that will help them act quickly in an emergency.

“The American Heart Association is challenging people to “Be the Beat” and learn CPR,” added Graper. “The organization’s goal is to have at least one person per household to know CPR.”

Guests will rally at the heart-healthy event around the goal of raising awareness and critical funds to advance women's health through research, education, and advocacy initiatives.

This year’s luncheon will again feature the always popular purse-onality auction, Hands-Only CPR training, and a moving passion speaker.

For more information or to register, visit OCGoRed.Heart.Org. Go Red for Women is Nationally sponsored by CVS and locally sponsored by CoreLogic.  

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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 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 19 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 locally OCGoRed.Heart.Org.

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.

Media Contact:

Daniel Ruacho

daniel.ruacho@heart.org / 480-773-2355