LOS ANGELES, November 16, 2022 — The American Heart Association’s Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement will be led this year by SCAN Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer, Romilla Batra, MD. As the volunteer chair, Dr. Batra will drive the efforts to empower Los Angeles women to take action against the threat of cardiovascular disease and shine a light on the importance of addressing the disparities that women face to achieving better health and wellbeing.
With more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership, Dr. Batra sets SCAN’s clinical policies and procedures, provides clinical programs oversight and helps design initiatives that support healthy, independent aging. She also leads the organization’s Independence at Home service, which provides vitally needed support to seniors and their caregivers throughout California.
As a mother and primary care physician, Batra understands the burden of cardiovascular disease in women. “In many cultures, women serve as the primary caregivers. I’m myself proud to be a caregiver for my parents and my in-laws, and as caregivers we sometimes put ourselves on the back burner. That further compounds the issue of cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Batra. “I’m excited to lead the Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement to help make a difference in the lives of women and the families that depend on them, especially in communities facing health inequities. I want to make sure women understand how important it is to look after themselves.”
A big part of the campaign that Dr. Batra will spearhead is the Go Red for Women Empowerment Luncheon, which will be held on March 14, 2023 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. The celebration is expected to draw more than 300 supporters and will feature motivational speakers and activities aimed at inspiring women to live their best selves.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Women experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime, and Black and Hispanic women are disproportionately impacted.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, created Go Red for Women in 2004 to increase women’s cardiovascular health awareness and create change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. Today, Go Red for Women is focused on:
- Championing lifesaving research for women and by women: Women continue to be underrepresented — and underfunded — in both research and STEM fields. The American Heart Association is addressing this through Research Goes Red, STEM Goes Red and efforts to increase funding and research on CVD in women.
- Providing women with the tools to improve their mental wellbeing: Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, and through the pandemic, 80% said their load increased at home and work. The Association is developing solutions to promote positive well-being and support across every stage of a woman’s life.
- Improving maternal health: The U.S. has one of the worst maternal mortality rates among developed countries, and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Cardiovascular disease is the culprit, with Black women paying the highest price, followed by Native American, Asian and Hispanic women. The American Heart Association is advocating for more equitable health care and working to close the gaps in education, resources and support that disadvantage so many women during pregnancy and beyond.
Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and in Los Angeles by Keck Medicine of USC, SCAN Health Plan and UCLA Health. For information about the Los Angeles Go Red for Women Empowerment Luncheon, visit LAGoRed.heart.org or contact Jackie Tan at jackie.tan@heart.org.
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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 nearly 80 percent 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).
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 Association has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us in Los Angeles on heart.org/losangeles, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or (213) 291-7000.
For media inquiries, contact:
Kristine Kelly, 213-453-9277, kristine.kelly@heart.org