Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has been championing change in Greater New Haven through its Go Red for Women® reception. This empowering event, part of the nationwide Go Red for Women movement, inspires women to take charge of their heart health and mobilizes the community to take action.
Rooted in legacy, the 2026 Greater New Haven Go Red for Women reception will mark ten years of achievements and milestones on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at a new location, The Woodwinds in Branford. The event will feature a pre-program reception, followed by dinner, inspiring speakers, and a fund-raising appeal. The evening will pay tribute to legacy leaders, Dr. Leslie Douglas-Churchwell and Francine LoRusso, the event’s inaugural co-chairs whose vision helped bring the reception to Greater New Haven. Following the program and new for 2026 is a “Party with a Purpose” featuring live music with “4 of a Kind” featuring David Davis and Frank Maia.
Since its inception, the Go Red for Women event has empowered close to 2,000 women to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education, and advocacy. Every program honored survivors, celebrating advancements in heart health. and raised vital funds to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent CVD in women.
“Only 44% of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their leading cause of death. Events like the Go Red for Women Reception are essential to raising awareness and providing education so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Meghana Rao Brito, MD, Greater New Haven Go Red for Women co-chair; director, Women’s Heart and Vascular Program, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and assistant professor of medicine (Cardiovascular), Yale School of Medicine. “Together, we are supporting women with information, motivation and inspiration to create better health outcomes.”
Nearly half of women aged twenty and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, which can affect their risk. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.
“Through the Go Red for Women movement, we are raising funds to invest in research and solutions designed for women’s unique health needs,” said Greater New Haven Go Red Co-Chair, Nicole DeMaio, vice president Business Development, Downes Construction. That means we are addressing risks for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, emotional stress, and lifestyle because women deserve support for their health and well-being at every age and stage of life.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Haven Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by the Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center. For more information contact Chelsea DeGroat at Chelsea.degroat@heart.org or visit heart.org/gorednewhaven.