Maine’s 17th annual Go Red for Women Luncheon features expert panel discussion and presentation of two Crystal Heart awards

For nearly two decades, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign has raised awareness about women’s greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. As the campaign celebrates 20 years of making an impact – and during the Association’s centennial year – the 17^th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on March 27, 2024 in Portland.

The event will feature an expert panel discussion, sponsored by WEX and moderated by 101.9 POR’s Courtney Ross. Lila Martin, MD, cardiologist with MaineHealth, and Anne L’Heureux, dietitian with Hannaford Supermarkets, will present on heart disease prevention in women and answer questions from attendees. The main speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan, will feature inspiring survivor stories, heart-health and stroke education, and the presentation of two Crystal Heart awards.

 Mary Toussaint of Arundel will share her story of suffering a heart attack at just 47 years old. With no prior issues or high-risk factors for heart disease, Toussiant initially brushed off the signs that something was wrong. Her husband finally told her to get checked out and she ended up needing emergency bypass surgery.

The Association will present the 2024 Crystal Heart awards to Al Swallow, Chief Financial Officer with MaineHealth, and Katie Rooks, Charitable and Community Relations Manager with M&T Bank. This award recognizes those individuals who strive to make Maine a better place to live, work, and thrive through their commitment to the well-being of Maine citizens.

Melanie Tinto, Chief Human Resources Officer with WEX, has stepped up to lead the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon.  “As we close out our first 100 years in 2024 and begin the next, our work remains as important as ever. We are just getting started on the next chapter of our relentless work to end heart disease and stroke,” said Tinto. “We know that we can’t achieve our monumental goals alone and are grateful to the Maine community for the passion and commitment they give to support the mission of the American Heart Association.”

The Executive Leadership Team for the 2024 Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon, under Tinto’s leadership, includes: Shelly Afthim, Gourmet Passionista; Bill Bourassa, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; Ashley Deeb, Mainely Tubs; Catherine Desrochers, Alliant Insurance Services; Ashley Gagnon, NBT Bank; Eric Jermyn, Cross Insurance; Kevan Lee Deckelmann, Dentons; Jennifer McCarthy, Maine Medical Center/Maine Health; Laura McHugh, Spinnaker Trust; Katie Rooks, M&T Bank; Joan Smith, Baker Newman Noyes; and Renee Smyth, Camden National Bank.

While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health, challenging them to know their risk for heart disease and to take action to reduce their personal risk by sharing tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally by: Alliant Employee Benefits; Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Maine and Anthem Specialty; Baker Newman Noyes; Bath Savings Institution; Bernstein Shur; Camden National Bank; Casco Bay Ford; Cianbro; Community Health Options; Cross Insurance; Hannaford Supermarkets; Harvard Pilgram Health Care; MEMIC; Maine Medical Center/Maine Health; Northern Light Mercy Hospital; Spectrum Healthcare Partners; United Healthcare and WEX. The luncheon’s local media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW & Maine’s CW, Mainebiz and 101.9 POR.

To register and for more information, visit: Heart.org/MaineGoRed or email [email protected].