Anchorage, Alaska, November 15, 2023 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Ella Goss, MSN, RN, chief executive of Providence Alaska, as the community volunteer chair of the 2024 Anchorage Go Red for Women movement. 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 the leading killer of women in the United States and affects nearly 45% of women ages of 20 or older. In Alaska, heart attack and stroke continue to be among the top causes of death, however, research has shown that the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through increased awareness and lifestyle changes. 

"Every woman in Alaska deserves to live a full, healthy life,” said Goss. “Through my firsthand experiences across the state, from working as a nurse in rural communities and air ambulances to now overseeing operations for Alaska's largest health-care provider, I have seen the vital role of community collaboration in addressing women's unique health needs. As chairperson of the Go Red for Women movement in Anchorage I am excited to help raise awareness and remove barriers to care by rallying my community around women’s heart health, a cause that affects us all.” 

Serving alongside Goss is a group of dedicated Go Red for Women volunteer leaders including:

  • Angie Astle, chief financial officer, Chugach Alaska Corporation
  • Raquel Edelen, vice president, operations, The Hotel Captain Cook
  • Patricia Fox, orthopedic surgeon, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska
  • Grace Greene, chief executive officer, LifeMed Alaska
  • Candace Hickel, physician assistant, NorthStarr Cardiothoracic
  • Meg Horvath, executive director, Alaska Health Alliance with Providence
  • Jennifer Opsut, chief executive officer, Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Jennifer Schrage, president and chief executive officer, Signature Land Services
  • Sarah Skeel, chief administrative officer, Providence Alaska Medical Center

"We're thrilled to have Ella Goss as our chairperson, bringing her passion and expertise to help drive the Go Red for Women movement in Anchorage. Together, we're poised to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families they support,” said Kristin George, executive director, American Heart Association, Alaska. 

In 2024, Go Red for Women will mark two decades of making an impact by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies, and raising awareness of women’s health issues. Local achievements will be celebrated on February 16 at the 2024 Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored nationally by CVS Health/Aetna, locally presented by Providence Alaska and supported by Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and LifeMed Alaska. For more information about the Go Red for Women Luncheon or to purchase tickets or a table, visit heart.org/anchoragegored

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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 20 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 devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For media inquiries:

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org  

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org