Matthew Gibb, MD, to lead American Heart Association’s 2026 Go Red for Women initiative
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in New Hampshire 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.
Leading this effort locally is Matthew Gibb, MD, chief clinical officer and cardiologist at Concord Hospital Health System. Dr. Gibb is serving as the 2026 chair for New Hampshire’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
“Each year, the New Hampshire Go Red for Women Luncheon brings together passionate voices to spotlight the serious risk heart disease and stroke pose to women,” said Dr. Gibb. “This mission is deeply personal to me—not just as a cardiologist, but as someone who’s seen how often women’s symptoms are misunderstood or missed. It’s critical that women receive the care they deserve, and that research continues to focus on the unique aspects of their heart health. This event is about more than awareness—it’s about education, inspiration, and building a strong community dedicated to saving lives.”
Dr. Gibb and his volunteer leadership team have set a goal to raise $155,000 to fight heart disease and stroke in women. The team includes: Somer Andrews; Concord Hospital; Jean Bolger; Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; Kathy LeClair, Ledyard Bank; Jennifer MacLaren, the Dew Collective; Jennifer Nye; Vernoica Rosa, Concord Hospital; and Lisha Wallace, Hattori Hanzo Shears.
The Go Red for Women® campaign’s local achievements will be celebrated at the New Hampshire Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 12th at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. This year’s event will feature educational workshops, an inspiring program and interactive and educational experiences in the new Go Red for Women Expo featuring blood pressure screenings, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and more.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the NH Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Catholic Medical Center, Concord Hospital, Dartmouth Health, Elliot Hospital, Lavelle Brensinger, Ledyard Bank and The Dew Collective. Media sponsors are New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Magazine, WMUR-TV and WZID FM. For more information, contact Rosemary.Hendrickx@Heart.org or visit Heart.org/NHGoRed.
[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