Hospital executive leads charge for women’s heart health in South Jersey

The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, recently announced that Margaret Belfield, MSN, RN, executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) Clinical Services, AtlantiCare, will serve as chairwoman for the American Heart Association 2020 Virtual Southern New Jersey Go Red for Women Luncheon.

The Go Red for Women Luncheon, one of the premier women’s events in South Jersey focused on cardiovascular health and wellness in women, aims to raise critical funds and awareness to help stop heart disease and stroke, which kill one woman every 80 seconds – more than all forms of cancer combined. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and guidance of the CDC and local governments, the American Heart Association has decided to change the format of the luncheon to virtual. This year, we will celebrate the South Jersey Go Red at Home Lunch-In on Wednesday June 17, 2020 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm via Zoom.

As a cornerstone piece of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, this social-educational event focuses on uniting the South Jersey community to prevent, treat and beat these diseases in women. Nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by AtlantiCare, Holman Enterprises and media sponsors NJBIZ and SJ Magazine, this vibrant movement inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives.

Belfield is passionate about sharing the message of Go Red for Women with women of the South Jersey community. In her role, she has engaged local business and community leaders in empowering women to get informed about the risks of heart disease and stroke and to make healthy lifestyle changes.

“I’m proud to lead the Go Red for Women movement in South Jersey,” stated Belfield. “As a nurse, I’ve seen the devastating effects of these diseases and want to help more women be aware of their risk, as well as the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.”

In her role as executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) Clinical Services, Belfield has strategic and operational oversight of AtlantiCare’s programs and services in five counties of New Jersey, which include AtlantiCare Regional Health Services’ AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) with three locations, ambulatory services, surgery centers, and AtlantiCare Physician Group.

“I know that together we can change the course of heart disease and stroke in women,” continued Belfield. “Through the Go Red for Women movement we can empower women to live healthier, educate others and reduce the impact these diseases have on our community.”

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. While 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through modest changes to diet and lifestyle, disparities in care, research and education for women’s heart and brain health continue to exist. The Go Red for Women Luncheon raises funds to support this lifesaving movement, supporting cutting-edge research, community programs and professional education focused on cardiovascular health.

For more information on the Go Red for Women campaign in South Jersey, please contact Grace Donatucci at Grace.Donatucci@heart.org.

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