American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women face unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is dedicated to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. This year’s Go Red for Women events invite the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women, leading up to campaign events this May.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like Go Red for Women are crucial for raising awareness and providing education to help all women better understand their risks for heart disease and stroke and how to reduce it,” said Ian Dahlberg, Garden State Go Red for Women Chair and CEO/Owner, Dahlcore Security Guard Services. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go at it alone.”
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates more than 20 years of making an impact, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community. With February being American Heart Month and March being Women’s History month, now is the perfect time to unite as a community and create awareness for heart health, leading up to our May events.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,” said Tracy Parris-Benjamin, co- chair of the Northern NJ Go Red for Women Luncheon and Managing Partner, The Outcomes Architect. “New Jersey is ranked 27th out of 50 US states in maternal mortality rates. Our goal is to improve this ranking by working directly with expecting mothers across the state to provide resources to help them understand their risk factors, including age, weight, and blood pressure. Go Red for Women is there for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of our lives.”
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. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[1] Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, 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.[2] That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
In addition to the Go Red for Women campaign, five local women will compete in a 9-week blind competition that is relentlessly focused on women’s heart health. Nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit impact teams, and inspire their networks to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. At the end of the campaign, this special group of changemakers will be celebrated for the overall impact they have on our mission and community. The nominee who makes the greatest impact and raises the most funds locally will be named a local 2025 Woman of Impact Winner. You can support the woman of impact nominees at the event websites listed below.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health.
- The Northern NJ Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held on May 1, 2025, at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ and led by co-chairs Tracy Parris-Benjamin, Managing Partner, The Outcomes Architect, and Lois Greene, Sr. Vice President, Wellness Equity and Population Health, University Hospital. The luncheon is locally sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and media sponsors, On New Jersey (onnj) and Magic 98.3. heart.org/nnjgored
- The Garden State Go Red for Women Celebration will be held on May 29, 2025, at The Marigold in Somerset, NJ and led by Ian Dahlberg, President and CEO, Dahlcore Security Guard Services. The celebration is locally sponsored by Encompass Health, RWJBarnabas Health, Dahlcore Security Services, Hackensack Meridian Health, TD Bank, Outcome Healthcare, Ocean Healthcare, Parker Health Group and media sponsors, On New Jersey (onnj) and Magic 98.3. heart.org/gsgored
For more information and to get involved visit, heart.org/newjersey.
[1] Centers for Disease Control Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Table:Causes of Pregnancy-Related Deaths
[2] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-awareness-decline-spotlights-urgency-to-reach-younger-women-and-women-of-color