GREENSBORO, December 16, 2022 — The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces that Leah Hazelwood, vice president of Go-Forth Pest Control, is the new chairperson for the 2023 Triad Go Red for Women Campaign.

This February’s Go Red for Women campaign will focus on the importance of women making their health and wellness a priority, with an emphasis on awareness, prevention, and management of high blood pressure to prevent and fight heart disease and stroke among women in the Triad.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is second to smoking as a leading preventable cause of heart disease and stroke death. In addition, more than half of all deaths from high blood pressure are women.

"This is going to be an incredibly exciting year as we combine our efforts within the counties to form one Triad Go Red for Women campaign. I am so very honored and enthused about leading this campaign along with our Executive Leadership Team. Together, we will be helping to save the lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters, co-workers, and friends,” said Leah Hazelwood, vice president of Go-Forth Pest Control and chair of the Triad Go Red for Women campaign.

“In a matter of seven years, I prematurely lost my father and several grandparents, to heart conditions. This makes me personally passionate about educating our community about the power we have to live longer, healthier lives, with preventative lifestyle choices. We are excited to partner with individuals and companies in the Triad to support awareness and education of high blood pressure in women. My goal is that women in our community one day know their blood pressure numbers as confidently as they may know their weight.”

“We are thrilled to have Leah’s experience, passion, and energy to lead Go Red in the Triad. As we have moved to Triad-wide events in 2023, we could not ask for a stronger leader to bring passion, drive, and experience to Go Red for Women. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Christine Jolly, executive director of the American Heart Association, Triad.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Among women 20 years-of-age and older, nearly 45% have some form of the disease. It impacts women of all ages and backgrounds, and women of color are more likely to be affected. In addition, research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women.

The good news is that heart attack and stroke-related events can be largely preventable with education and lifestyle changes, such as knowing vital health numbers, moving more, eating smarter and managing blood pressure.

Go Red for Women is a year-round movement focused on awareness, prevention education, risk factor reduction, healthy behavioral changes, and women’s heart health research.

With support from the national sponsor CVS Health, platform sponsor Go-Forth Pest Control and Life is Why Sponsor Novant Health, this year’s Go Red community initiatives will be celebrated at the Triad Go Red for Women Luncheon on National Wear Red Day Friday, February 3 at High Point Country Club in High Point, N.C. The Triad Red Dress Tea will also bring women together from African American congregations to focus on their heart health on Sunday, February 26 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Greensboro Airport in Greensboro, N.C.

To sponsor or purchase tickets to Triad Go Red for Women February events, contact TriadNC@heart.org or visit TriadGoRed.Heart.org for more information.

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Sarah Fedele: sarah.fedele@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org