FORT WORTH, March 18, 2024 – The American Heart Association held its annual Tarrant County Go Red for Women® experience and luncheon on March 1. The event helped raise almost $800,000 and contributions will continue to accumulate through June as part of the Association’s Tarrant County Go Red yearlong initiative. The event, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Texas Health, took place at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in the heart of North Texas. Supporters and survivors gathered to spread awareness about the effect heart disease has on women as it claims the lives of one in three women per year and remains the number one killer of women in America.
“The Go Red movement is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives,” she continued, “And our annual luncheon is the pinnacle of this movement each year. By coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact in Tarrant County and beyond.”
Since 2004, the Association has addressed the clinical care gaps and lack of awareness when it comes to women’s heart health and this years' experience was centered around that journey. Encompassing progress over the last 20 years and looking into the future of this movement, guests participated in the travel themed event to see Go Red’s mission taking flight. Attendees used custom passports to journey through stations around the space jetting through personal health screenings and assessments by Texas Health, Hands-Only CPR and AED demonstrations by Medical City Healthcare, and extending layovers to observe beautiful displays honoring the legacy of key women who have previously led this movement in Tarrant County. The destination tour also included a tribute wall that allowed guests to honor heart heroes, a puppy station that highlighted the heart-healthy benefits of spending time with furry friends, and many educational opportunities to learn how to impact one’s own health as well as see how the Association is impacting the health of the local community.
This year’s inspiring entertainment was a fireside chat hosted by Kidd Kraddick in The Morning’s Kellie Rasberry, featuring the 2023 Miss North Texas Chloe Burke and current Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. The first annual Maria Hinz Award for Outstanding Courage was presented to its namesake, Maria Hinz. The Tarrant County 2024 Go Red co-chairs who led the event were Melissa Huffman, Vice President of Omni Group, and Dr. Monika Mathur, Chief Medical and Quality Officer of Texas Health Alliance. Mayor Mattie Parker also served as this year’s honorary chair.
The 2025 Go Red for Women initiative will begin this July as the Association celebrates its Centennial, highlighting a rich 100-year history of accomplishments. The Tarrant County American Heart Association team is actively searching for key leaders in Fort Worth and surrounding cities eager to help pilot the next leg of the journey and lead Tarrant County Go Red movement and the March 2025 event. Those interested in connecting with the Tarrant County Go Red for Women Movement can email Maggie Beaird at Maggie.Beaird@heart.org
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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
Lindsey Lyons; Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org
Mobile 469-499-6408
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
