Denise McDonough to chair Maine’s Go Red for Women initiative
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Maine and across the United States. Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health by participating in Go Red for Women.
Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support. Leading this effort locally is Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, who is serving as the 2025-2026 chair for Maine’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down. Life moves fast—careers, calendars and commitments never seem to slow down. But women’s health deserves our attention now, and delays are no longer an option,” said McDonough. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
McDonough and her volunteer leadership team have set a goal to raise $655,750 to fight heart disease and stroke in women. The team includes: Katie A. Breggia, The Dunham Group; Ashley Deeb, Mainely Tubs; Tony Disotto, KeyBank; Kelly Elkins, MaineHealth; Ashley Gagnon, NBT Bank; Melissa Grabenstein, Bank of America; Eric Jermyn President, Cross Insurance; Kris Martel, Spectrum Healthcare Partners, Stephanie Miller, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.; Lindsay Zahradka Milne, Verrill; Matt Roy, The Standard; and Joan Smith, Baker Newman Noyes.
McDonough and her team plan to bring back STEM Goes Red—an initiative that educates and inspires female Portland-area high school students to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) – including cardiovascular-related STEM careers. This and other local achievements will be celebrated at the 19th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon scheduled for March 19, 2026, at Holiday Inn by the Bay. This year’s event will feature a new format that includes a fun networking session, an inspiring program and even more interactive and educational experiences in the new Go Red Pop-Up Expo. As always, there will be special highlights of local heart disease and stroke survivors, recognition of key community supporters and lots of great prizes to be won in the silent auction.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by MaineHealth, WEX, Inc., Spectrum Healthcare Partners, Hannaford Supermarkets, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, KeyBank and Cross Insurance. Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, 101.9 POR and Mainebiz. For more information, contact Lindsay.Colle@Heart.org or visit Heart.org/MaineGoRed.
[1] Call to Action for Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Epidemiology, Awareness, Access, and Delivery of Equitable Health Care: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association | Circulation
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000907