Caroline Wilke to chair the American Heart Association’s Greater Hartford 2026 Go Red for Women initiative
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women both in Connecticut and across the United States. To combat this issue, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Caroline Wilke, vice president of human resources at CVS Health, who is serving as the 2026 chair for the Greater Hartford Go Red for Women® movement.
“I am excited to be able to make a difference for women across Connecticut and beyond,” said Wilke. “Cardiovascular disease can have a devastating impact on our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, neighbors — the women in our lives. And I am proud to help spread awareness of the risk of CVD, make it easier for women to get the care they need and to be part of a community that supports their health.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, has met the evolving health needs of women and addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps related to their greatest health threat: cardiovascular disease.
During key life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause, women may experience unique events that can increase their risk for heart disease and stroke across their life course. Go Red for Women addresses the health and wellness needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible health solutions. Go Red for Women is also focused on supporting women-centric research and committed to closing gaps in care and support.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Caroline’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Connecticut,” said Executive Director Adria Giordano, American Heart Association of Connecticut.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Thursday, March 19, at the 2026 Greater Hartford Go Red for Women Luncheon at Connecticut Convention Center. Now in its 21st year, the event will feature a Festival of Red, a heart healthy lunch and inspiring speakers.
Go Red for Women is nationally supported by CVS Health. For more information, contact Bethany Pelletier at Bethany.pelletier@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/goredhartford