FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, May 25, 2023 — More than 200 guests decked out in red rallied at the Go Red for Women Luncheon raising $779,000 in funds dedicated to helping advance women's health through research, education, awareness, and advocacy initiatives.
“The Go Red for Women Luncheon is not just about wearing red. This is about all of us standing together and doing something to reduce our No. 1 killer, which claims the lives of 1 in every 3 women. Losing even one woman to this largely preventable and treatable disease is too many,” said Marisol Garcia, Executive Director of the American Heart Association's Greater-Miami and Fort Lauderdale market.
Since 2004, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has engaged more than 2 million women to learn their risk of heart disease and stroke, and take powerful steps to take charge of their health through its Go Red for Women movement. While advocacy and educational campaigns focused on heart disease have made great strides in improving knowledge and attitudes among women, health disparities still exist among and between women.
With a theme of Be the Beat, this year’s luncheon featured tools and information to help South Florida improve CPR training and bystander CPR rates for women, who are still less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. The American Heart Association notes nearly three out of every four cardiac arrests happen in homes and is calling for at least one person in every household to learn Hands-Only CPR. The two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR are:
- Call 911 and
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.
Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR partly because people fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the person. By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, they learn how simple the technique is and gain confidence that will help them act quickly in an emergency.
“This cause personally means so much to me because women of color are disproportionally affected, and cardiovascular disease runs in my family. Go Red for Women is standing up for women across the nation - and across the globe - to eradicate these issues and ensure all women have an equitable opportunity to live a long and healthy life,” said Juliet Murphy Roulhac of Florida Power and Light Company, and chairperson of the 2023 South Florida’s Go Red for Women Campaign.
During the luncheon, attendees were taught and able to practice the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR on the CPR manikins, sponsored by One Beat Medical and Training. People participated in checking their blood pressure at stations provided by Schiller Americas, and CITY Furniture sponsored therapy dogs for attendees to interact with during the event, because the simple act of petting a dog helps decrease blood pressure.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and Aetna. The South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Broward Health, Florida Power & Light Company, UHealth: University of Miami Health System, CITY Furniture, Pediatrix Medical Group, Schiller Americas, Fountain Health and Fountain Life, LaCroix Sparking Water, VITAS Healthcare, Quanta Services, Blue Zones Center, Memorial Healthcare, One Beat Medical and Training, Unified Women’s Healthcare, Community Foundation of Broward, HCA Healthcare and media sponsors Brickell Magazine, Haute Living Magazine, Miami Kids Magazine and NBC6 & Telemundo. It’s not too late to donate to the American Heart Association via the Go Red for Women Luncheon. For more information contact Michele Fernandez at 954.643.6920 or visit this link to donate.
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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 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 954.364.5025
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.
Media Contact:
Christina Vitale