Fort Worth, TX), (January 13, 2025) – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Because of their passion for improving women’s heart health in Tarrant County, Texas Health’s Amy Papst, MD, and Becky Renfro Borbolla from Renfro Foods will serve as the volunteer co-chairs of the 2024-2025 Go Red for Women® movement in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, leaders like Renfro Borbolla and Dr. Papst will play a critical role in championing women’s health in North Texas.
CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.[2] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease related incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.
“Heart disease runs in my family from my grandmother to my nephew, who had a heart defect and survived cardiac arrest at the age of 45,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla. “I attended last year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon and was shocked to hear that 1 in 3 women will have some type of heart issue. Every year, women get pap smears and mammograms hoping to prevent cancer, but what do we do every year to prevent heart disease or know if we have a heart defect? I am happy to be working with the American Heart Association to make a difference educating women about heart health.”
Dr. Amy Papst shared that as an anesthesiologist, she has cared for thousands of women with heart disease, many of them completely unaware of their disease, risk factors, or how they can make important lifestyle changes to impact their outcomes. Papst said, “Serving as the co-chair for the Tarrant County's Go Red for Women movement means committing to a cause that empowers women to take charge of their heart health. It’s about raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for groundbreaking research. By leading this movement, I aim to bridge the gender gap in cardiovascular disease, inspire women to make life-saving changes, and ultimately create a healthier future for our communities."
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement highlights local achievements in Tarrant County and efforts around rural health and will be celebrated during Heart Month with a luncheon on February 28 at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth. Women from all walks of life will gather to uplift, educate, honor, and inspire one another. This year’s Tarrant County Go Red for Women experience has gone country, with western and rodeo flair, and aims to “give heart disease the boot” alongside community organizations like Texas Health and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and will feature an inspiring story of a Texas female rodeo champion who was told she could no longer ride.
The American Heart Association calls on all women everywhere to take charge of their health. February’s heart month event allows us to encourage other women to do the same in Tarrant County, across North Texas, and all over the Lone Star State. Visit GoRedforWomen.org for more information. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and is locally sponsored by Texas Health. For more information contact Maggie Beaird at Maggie.Beaird@heart.org or visit the event site www.heart.org/tarrantcountygored.
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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 us on heart.org, Facebook, 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:
Lindsey Lyons Jones - Lindsey.LyonsJones@Heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org