SEATTLE, January 24, 2024 — Red is the color of the day on Friday, February 2 – National Wear Red Day – when the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, asks everyone to inspire women to make heart and brain health a priority by wearing red. 

“Awareness is critical.  Everyone needs to know that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women but more importantly, that most of it is preventable,” said Imelda Dacones, M.D., F.A.C.P., community volunteer chairperson for Go Red for Women in the Puget Sound and market president for Optum Pacific Northwest. 

Wearing red helps to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest health threat for women and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement encourages everyone to participate for themselves and to support the women in their lives. Here are ways that Washingtonians can Go Red on February 2: 

  • Rock your red and post a photo on social media using #WearRedDay #goREDwa. Share with others how you or family members have been impacted by heart disease or stroke.
  • Wear red and give to the American Heart Association. Set up your personal fundraising page and find materials at WearRedDay.org. In just three easy steps, you can invite your friends and family to join in the fun.
  • Shop and receive the American Heart Association’s Red Dress pin as a symbol of commitment to ending heart disease and stroke in women everywhere. You can purchase a pin at ShopHeart.org, and for the month of February, they will be available at Big Lots stores nationwide for a donation of $2 or more.
  • Make a commitment to prioritize heart health. The majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education. Know your key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease, including total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index.   
  • Learn Hands-Only CPR because too many women go without help when suffering a cardiac arrest due to the fact that bystanders are often afraid to touch them. Go Red for Women wants everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and turn from bystanders to lifesavers. Hands-Only CPR is just two simple steps and you can learn the steps by watching a demonstration video at heart.org/nation.

National Wear Red Day is also the launch of the annual Women of Impact and Teen of Impact competition, a 9-week fundraising and heart health education drive by women in the region committed to advancing the Go Red movement. 13 candidates will be vying for the Woman of Impact title and four will be vying for Teen of Impact in 2024. 

In a few weeks, supporters of the American Heart Association will gather for the Go Red for Women Experience, an annual event that shares inspiring stories from the community and raises funding to support Go Red for Women. The event will be held on March 7 in Seattle. To sponsor a table or make a donation, visit heart.org/PugetSoundGoRed

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates 20 years of making an impact, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community. 

“Whether it’s learning CPR, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community,” said Dr. Dacones. 

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and locally supported by Optum, Regence BlueShield, MultiCare Health System and Premera Blue Cross. 

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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 the American Heart Association by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1 and in Washington at heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram and X

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).  

Media Contacts: 

Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org