Maine’s 19th annual Go Red for Women Luncheon is March 19 in Portland
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in Maine and across the United States. Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement empowers women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
Leading this effort locally is Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, who is serving as the 2026 volunteer chair for Maine’s Go Red for Women® movement. The 19th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Thursday, March 19 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland.
The event begins at 11:00 a.m. with networking and silent auction hosted by 101.9 POR’s Courtney Ross. From 11:45 a.m.-12:50 p.m., the main program — emceed by Channel 8 WMTW’s Kathleen Jordan — will feature a special guest survivor speaker, the presentation of our Crystal Heart Award and highlights of how the American Heart Association is making an impact in Maine.
Linda Varrell, founder & president of Broadreach Public Relations LLC, will receive the 2026 Crystal Heart Award.
“For more than 19 years, Go Red in Maine has built a powerful legacy – one driven by community leaders who stepped forward to create real and lasting change. Countless individuals have helped advance the Association’s mission, but a few stand out for their unwavering dedication. Linda Varrell is one of those leaders,” said McDonough. “Her steadfast commitment to the Go Red movement has made a meaningful difference and earned her this year’s Crystal Heart Award.”
Guests are encouraged to stay for the new, interactive Go Red pop-up experience from 12:50 to 2:00 p.m. and engage with a variety of stations designed to help attendees embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle. The pop-up experience will include the following activities:
- Cholesterol and blood pressure screenings – provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital
- Opportunity to discuss heart health with three local cardiologists – provided by MaineHealth
- Explore a heart-healthy diet – provided by Hannaford Supermarkets
- Learn healthy ways to manage stress – provided by WEX
Additional activities include hearing stories of local heart disease and stroke survivors, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, meeting a local Association-funded researcher, heart-healthy crafts and more.
The Survivor Lounge, which was new last year, will be hosted by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Heart disease and stroke survivors will have an opportunity to connect with one another and receive goodie bags.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon’s top local sponsors are Northern Light Health; MaineHealth, WEX, Inc., Spectrum Healthcare Partners, Hannaford Supermarkets, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, KeyBank, The Standard 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.