American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Dinner raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience 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 committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual Vermont Go Red for Women Dinner invited 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.
On April 24, 2025, over 100 guests dressed in red attended the 2025 Vermont Go Red for Women Dinner united against women’s greatest health threat. The Dinner honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised over $45,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like this year’s Go Red for Women Dinner 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 Jessica Wood, director and associate professor of Norwich University’s School of Nursing and Vermont Go Red for Women Dinner chairwoman. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go 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.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,“ said Brian Shankey, Executive Director of the Northern New England American Heart Association. “Here in Vermont, we are bringing women together to learn about the importance of heart health because Go Red for Women is there for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their 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.[2] 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.[3] That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Vermont Go Red for Women Dinner is locally sponsored by Norwich University, BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, Cardiovascular Research Institute of Vermont, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Vermont Federal Credit Union, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, Miles Supply, Northfield Savings Bank, Northwestern Medical Center, Otter Creek Awnings, Vermont Gas Systems and media sponsors ABC22 & FOX44 and Star 92.9. For more information, contact Samantha Randlett at Samantha.Randlett@Heart.org or visit Heart.org/VTGoRed.
[1] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)
[2] Centers for Disease Control Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Table:Causes of Pregnancy-Related Deaths
[3] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-awareness-decline-spotlights-urgency-to-reach-younger-women-and-women-of-color