Plans underway for 2024 Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon as American Heart Association’s celebrates its centennial year

Katie Rooks and Albert Swallow to receive 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 on the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100^th anniversary, the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on March 27, 2024 in Portland.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke, is the leading cause of death in Maine. The Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, announced plans for the 17^th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon in Portland which has a goal of raising $475,000 to save and improve women’s lives.

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.

The Association announced that the 2024 Crystal Heart awards will be presented to Katie Rooks, Charitable and Community Relations Manager with M&T Bank, and Albert G. Swallow III, Chief Financial Officer with MaineHealth. 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, Bernstein Shur; 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: Baker Newman Noyes; Bath Savings; Bernstein Shur; Cross Insurance; Hannaford Supermarkets; Harvard Pilgram Health Care; Maine Medical Center/Maine Health; Northern Light Mercy Hospital; Spectrum Healthcare Partners; and WEX. The luncheon’s local media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, Mainebiz and 101.9 POR.

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