BALTIMORE, January 24, 2024 – Sonia Suber, the VP Information Systems & Technology at Sodexo, will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2024 Greater Maryland Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its Centennial, Suber will play a critical role by leading the Baltimore and Greater Maryland Breakfast in Red and Go Red for Women Luncheon in 2024.
According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Heart disease and stroke continue to be Maryland women’s greatest health threat.
Suber knows the devasting impact heart disease can have on women. She lost her mother, her aunt and two female coworkers to heart disease.
“Those losses have inspired me to take better control of things in my life, such as diet, exercise and managing stress, that can all have a significant impact on your heart health,” Suber said.
“The Go Red for Women movement, to me, is about uplifting women. I like to encourage people, to give people the tools and resources to help educate themselves,” Suber said. “And that’s what I hope to do, along with the American Heart Association, in this role. To empower women to take control of their heart health and to positively impact more lives in the future, just as the AHA has done for the last 100 years.”
Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women.[2] Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[3] All women must take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
“We are so grateful to have Sonia as our Go Red for Women chair this year,” said Tracy Brazelton, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Baltimore & Greater Maryland division. “Her passion for our mission and leadership will make a notable impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on April 12, 2024, at the 2024 Greater Maryland Go Red for Women luncheon. The luncheon will take place at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Station.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Greater Maryland Go Red for Women campaign is locally sponsored by Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, LifeBridge Health, MedStar Health, BRG, Luminis Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Rehabilitation Hospital of Bowie.
For more information contact Roslyn Hannibal-Booker at Roslyn.Hannibal-Booker@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/goredmd.
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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 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 our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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 more than two decades, 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).
For Media Inquiries:
Wayne Carter, wayne.carter@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1], [1][1], [1][1][1] , [1]V Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023].
Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123