Columbus unites to help eliminate heart disease and stroke in women
American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and critical funds
(COLUMBUS, OH), (Jan. 18) — This year, more than 700 people dressed in red will attend the annual Columbus Go Red for Women Luncheon to celebrate 20 years of the movement, honor survivors, highlight advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which currently claims the lives of 1 in 3 women each year.
The Go Red for Women movement is an initiative of the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States and continues to be the greatest health threat for women in Central Ohio. Despite this, less than half of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their leading cause of death.
“I’ve seen the impact of heart disease firsthand with my grandmother, my mother and my grandfather and believe it’s critical for women to understand the signs and not misread or minimize symptoms,” says Kara Trott, founder and board chair of Quantum Health and one of this year’s Go Red for Women Chairwomen. “We have the opportunity to create awareness that will save lives through Go Red for Women.”
As Go Red celebrates 20 years of making an impact, on the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary, this year’s Luncheon will celebrate 20 years of achievements and look ahead as the Association and Go Red continue to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries.
This year’s event, emceed by Stacia Naquin with ABC 6 and FOX 28 and Sunny 95’s Stacy Mckay, will be held at the Hyatt Regency and will open at 10:30 a.m. with interactive exhibits for all guests followed by a special, extended 90-minute Luncheon and program beginning at noon. The Luncheon program will:
• Highlight cardiac arrest survivors
and the lifesaving skill of CPR, • provide Hands-only CPR skills
practice for all attendees,
• feature local spokespersons, survivors and motivational experts including: o Laura M Espy-bell, MD, founder
of Made for Medicine, o Marian Dancy, heart survivor, o Ali Dorsett, heart survivor, o J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH, international leader and change agent, and more. Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of cardiovascular disease in 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, joining Research Goes Red, 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 Nancy Tobbe, executive director of the American Heart Association, Central Ohio.
“Go Red for Women is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives,” she continued. “And by coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact.”
As women grow and change, so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD 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. In fact, it’s the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Columbus Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Live Fierce Central Ohio sponsor, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Life is Why sponsors, Big Lots Foundation and Cardinal Health. For more information visit heart.org/columbusgored.
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).