TOLEDO, OH- Dec. 19, 2022 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will host the 2023 Toledo Go Red for Women® Luncheon on March 9, 2023, at The Premier.
This year’s campaign is being led by two local female leaders, Emma Helvey and Andrea Gwyn.
Emma Helvey is the Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Mosser Group. The American Heart Association’s mission is close to Helvey’s heart after her son Charlie was diagnosed with a serious heart defect just days after birth.
Charlie, now four, is healthy and growing but may have to have more heart surgeries in the future.
“I feel honored to be able to give back to such a worthy mission that has touched my life in various ways,” says Helvey.
Andrea Gwyn is the President of Mercy Health – Perrysburg and St. Anne Hospitals. As a leader in healthcare, she desires to be a change agent and improve the healthcare outcomes of our community, but the mission is also personal.
“As an African American woman, I was diagnosed hypertensive at 30,” says Gwyn, “I actively work every day to maintain my cardiovascular health,”
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is themed Be the Beat. It is designed to raise awareness of the importance of knowing CPR and address the disparity in the rate women receive bystander CPR.
A 2017 study found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest received CPR from strangers in public, compared with 45% of men, and men's odds of surviving were 23% higher than women. We’re working to address this disparity by addressing the fears and myths preventing women from receiving bystander CPR and offering training tools to encourage community members to learn Hands-Only CPR.
“It’s not just about wearing red,” says Sara Hegarty, the American Heart Association’s Executive Director, “It’s not just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about all women standing together with Go Red for Women® — because 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular diseases, and losing even one woman is too many,”
Since 2004, Go Red for Women® has had a profound impact on women’s health. As the trusted, passionate, and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke, through the Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women — at every life stage.
Go Red for Women® is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Toledo luncheon is locally sponsored by First Solar, Mercy Health, Mosser, and Buckeye Broadband.
For more information and to register to attend the Go Red For Women® Luncheon, contact Elizabeth.Lewis@Heart.org or visit our website heart.org/toledogored.
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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 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Katie Kwapich: Katie.Kwapich@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org