FRESNO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 – On National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 7, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women®, urges everyone in the Central Valley to “Go Red” and join in advocating for better health and well-being for all women. Locally, the Fresno Grizzlies, Saint Agnes Medical Center and master-planned community Tesoro Viejo will join the Go Red for Women movement by shining their lights red to amplify the message of National Wear Red Day.  
 
“This is an important moment for us to ensure more women know about their top health risks and – just as critically – ways they can control those risks,” said Dr. Vivian Torio, DO, volunteer board member on the American Heart Association’s Central Valley board and family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center. “I’m proud to do my part in the fight against leading killers of women, heart disease and stroke. Together, we can ensure every woman has equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives.”
 
According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the No. 1 killer of women. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. CVD is also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms.
 
Across the Central Valley, the community can engage with the Go Red for Women movement on National Wear Red Day in the following ways: 
  • Wear red and share: add a touch of red to your outfit to raise awareness and inspire action to improve individual health and well-being. Share your support on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #CentralValleyGoesRed.
  • Make a donation to the American Heart Association: support the Go Red for Women movement through a Wear Red and Give donation at WearRedDay.org
  • Join Research Goes Red: ensure women are represented in cardiovascular research through participation in Research Goes Red, an initiative to engage women in contributing to health research to accelerate understanding of how cardiovascular disease uniquely impacts women.
  • Learn Hands-Only CPR: women are less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. Ensure more women get the immediate life-saving help that they need in an emergency by watching a 60-second video at GoRedforWomen.org.  
  • Support the Go Red for Women movement in stores
    • The Big Lots Foundation, a National Go Red for Women supporter, is matching donations (up to $500,000 total) made on heart.org and GoRedforWomen.org for the entire month of February. Additionally, Big Lots stores are helping customers “go red” by offering a Red Dress pin for donations of $3 or more, while supplies last, as part of their national Life is Why™ campaign, the Association’s point-of-sale giving campaign. 
    • CVS Health will offer their customers an opportunity to give at the register throughout the month of February in addition to supporting year-round research, education and access to care that improves women’s cardiovascular health, including initiatives aimed at addressing the maternal heart health crisis and reducing hypertension rates.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health with local support from KSEE24 and KISS Country 93.7. To learn more about getting involved and supporting the local Go Red for Women movement, contact central.valley@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. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with the American Heart Association in the Central Valley on heart.org/northern-california, Facebook, Instagram, 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: 
 
Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)