CHICAGO – January 10, 2024 – The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, today announced its honoree for the 20th anniversary of the Metro Chicago Go Red for Women® movement. Annabelle Santos Volgman, MD, co-founder and medical director of the RUSH Heart Center for Women, will be honored throughout the anniversary year for her impact in advancing research for women’s heart disease through patient care and advocating for raising funds to perform continued research since Go Red for Women’s inception in 2004.
Go Red for Women is an 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.
“Each and every one of us deserves the chance at the best outcome, in our health and our day to day lives,” Volgman said. “Because of historic disenfranchisement, women didn’t always receive the care they needed when they faced cardiovascular disease and stroke. Now, 20 years later, we still have a lot of work to do, but the progress we’ve made and change we’ve driven have granted thousands of women better care that centers their needs and a healthier life with more time to spend with the people who matter most to them.”
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Among females 20 years of age and older between 2017 and 2020, 44.8% had some form of cardiovascular disease, compared with 52.4% of males. Women are often less likely to receive Hands-Only CPR in the event of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This disparity exists because of sexism, and the belief that women “overdramatize” their symptoms as well as fear of being accused of inappropriate touching. The American Heart Association has worked to address this inequity in health care outcomes for years by encouraging people of all ages to learn the steps of Hands-Only CPR.[1]
Volgman was one of Go Red for Women’s founding partners. Over the last two decades, Volgman has been a mainstay in Chicago’s Go Red for Women programming while spearheading the growth of the RUSH Heart Center for Women – the first heart program in Chicago dedicated exclusively to women. She continues to be a leader in the Windy City’s efforts to give women a seat at the table in conversations related to heart health and health equity.
“Dr. Volgman has been an exemplary leader and role model for the RUSH community. She has positively impacted countless individuals across the Chicagoland area and nationwide while also mentoring many aspiring physicians, students, residents, fellows, and attendings,” said Alexandra Sarau, MD, a cardiovascular medicine fellow at RUSH University. “She is a powerful advocate for her patients, some of whom she has cared for and grown with since the start of her career. Dr. Volgman's longstanding dedication to raising awareness for women's heart disease is clear and unmistakable, and she is most well-deserving of being a Legacy honoree for the 20th Anniversary of Go Red for Women.”
“Without Dr. Volgman, the Go Red for Women movement wouldn’t exist as we know it in Chicago,” said American Heart Association, Chicago executive director Brittany Walsh. “Her work with the RUSH Heart Center for Women is a centerpiece of what Go Red hopes to accomplish, we’re pleased to celebrate them this year and in the future.”
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Feb. 24, 2024, at the Metro Chicago Go Red for Women Executive Luncheon.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by GE HealthCare, Dover Corporation and KPMG. For more information, contact Meghan Gaeger at Meghan.Gaeger@heart.org or visit Chicago Go Red for Women.
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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 call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins: (312) 298-9335; Jorie.Goins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Williamson, Laura, “Why people fear performing CPR on women – and what to do about it,” Nov. 23, 2020