Israel to chair the American Heart Association’s 2025-26 Go Red for Women® initiative in the Garden State
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 her passion for improving women’s heart health in New Jersey, Jessica L. Israel, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president at Complete Care, will serve as the 2025-2026 volunteer chair of the Garden State Go Red for Women movement. 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.
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 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.
Earlier this year, Israel experienced a personal cardiovascular event, which led to the discovery of untreated hypertension and high cholesterol. The experience was a wake-up call, and she is now sharing her story to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their wellbeing before it is too late.
“As women, we often put others first. I have devoted my life to caring for literally everyone—my family, friends, colleagues, patients and even strangers—except for myself,” said Israel. “Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their health and support each other in this vital mission.”
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 and its local achievements will be celebrated in June 2026 at the Garden State Go Red for Women experience.
“We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Israel and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Daniel Stermer, executive director of the American Heart Association in New Jersey. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Garden State Go Red for Women experience is locally sponsored by Excelsior Care Group, Family of Caring, and Complete Care. For more information contact Simone Vano, development manager, at Simone.Vano@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/GSGoRed.
[1] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/women/lcod/2017/all-races-origins/index.htm