NEW ORLEANS, April 17, 2023 – Stacey L. Holman, M.D., associate professor, LSU department of OB/GYN, has been named the 2023 New Orleans Woman of Impact Award winner. The recognition by the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is awarded annually to the Woman of Impact nominee who earns the most points during a 9-week fundraising and heart health education drive.  

Each year, a group of Greater New Orleans women are nominated by local volunteer leadership team members to embark on a journey starting on February 3, National Wear Red Day and culminating on April 6 to earn the title of Woman of Impact.

Woman of Impact is part of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women® movement. By leading her team to raise nearly $15,000 and participating in the Association’s Go Red for Women mission-impact activities, Dr. Holman exceeded five other women, earning her the Woman of Impact title. Additionally, she gathered “points” by participating in numerous activities such as learning Hands-Only CPR and exercising daily; however, she tipped the scale, earning triple the allotted points, by exceeding in bringing maternal health awareness to her community.

“Taking part in the Woman of Impact campaign has been an incredible opportunity for me to connect with others who support the mission of heart health for women,” said Dr. Holman. “As a physician for women and a local hospital leader, I have been able to build on a foundation of education and advocacy that aims to support the women in our community, with an emphasis on maternal care. I’m honored by this recognition, but most of all, I’m incredibly proud of the contributions we’ve made together in support of Go Red for Women’s mission to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death for women. I look forward to a continued focus on the overall health and well-being of women in New Orleans and beyond,” Dr. Holman added.

Collectively, this year’s New Orleans nominees and their Impact Teams made up of friends, family and personal connections raised $35,000 for the Greater New Orleans American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Holman and all of our nominees for their work alongside the American Heart Association because of their passion for health and drive to make a difference by raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director for the American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness. With advocates like Dr. Holman and our other Woman of Impact nominees leading the way, our community is stronger, and our future is brighter.”

While a large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of 1 in 3 women. Research published by the American Heart Association shows that younger women, particularly Millennials and Gen Z may not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke[1]. For more information or to get involved visit heart.org/Louisiana.  

###

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). 

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 local media inquiries:

Mary Fein

Mary.fein@heart.org