NEW ORLEANS – Jan. 9, 2023 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to world of healthier lives for all, announces Sharonda Williams, general counsel and director of government affairs at Loyola University, as the community volunteer chair of the 2022-2023 New Orleans area Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association to increase women’s heart and brain health awareness and to improve the of women locally, nationally, and globally.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. It continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.
“Having family members, including both of my grandmothers, who have suffered from cardiovascular disease, including strokes, I know first-hand the importance of awareness around heart and stroke signs, symptoms and lifestyle changes to prevent or live with them,” Williams said.
“Living with risk factors ranging from our diets in this food mecca where we live, and the stressors of the social and global health events that have been affecting us, the work and research the American Heart Association does is even more important. I am looking forward to connecting with our community through the Go Red initiative to spread awareness and build a healthier New Orleans.”
“We are thrilled to have Sharonda’s experience, conviction and passion help to drive Go Red in New Orleans. Her passion for building a healthier community and dedication to serving others through the mission of the American Heart Association is boundless. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association in Greater New Orleans.
A new addition to Go Red for Women this year is the Women of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, March 3rd, at the 2023 New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon, locally sponsored by Entergy, United Healthcare, LCMC Health and LAMMICO.
For more information or to inquire about tickets to the New Orleans Go Red for Women luncheon, visit NewOrleansGoRed.heart.org or email AHANewOrleans@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 18 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. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For media inquiries:
Mary Fein; mary.fein@heart.org