Dr. Amber Price and Alexis Swann to chair the American Heart Association’s flagship women’s heart health initiative
Amber Price, DNP, CNM, MSN, RN, President, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Alexis Swann, President, TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg, will serve as the community volunteer co-chairs of the 2023-2024 Hampton Roads area Go Red for Women® movement, leading the Go Red for Women Luncheon with a goal of raising $345,000.
Go Red for Women is an initiative of the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. As Go Red celebrates 20 years of making an impact, on the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary, the movement continues to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease and stroke continue to be the greatest health threat for women in Hampton Roads.
“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because I know firsthand how the work of the American Heart Association impacts our lives,” said Dr. Price. “I’m looking forward to working together to advance this important mission and support women in Hampton Roads while increasing our impact focusing on cardiovascular disease in women of all ages, maternal health outcomes, advocacy and beyond.”
“The mission of the American Heart Association is personal for me, and being in a position to influence the health of the women in our community through the pillars of Go Red for Women is a true honor,” said Swann. “Our health matters, our voices matter and the more education and resources we can provide to ensure the women around us live longer, healthier lives, the better.”
The U.S. has one of the worst maternal mortality rates among developed countries, and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Cardiovascular disease is in large part the reason behind these alarming statistics. Black women pay the highest price, followed by Native American, Asian and Hispanic women. As shared in a recent announcement, the American Heart Association Hampton Roads has been selected as a recipient of a $500,000 grant from CVS Health Foundation, to implement a community-based approach to addressing hypertension, a key risk factor in the No. 1 killer of new moms. This provides the ability to increase local advocacy efforts for more equitable health care and close the gaps in education, resources, and support.
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Amber Price and Alexis Swann as our Go Red for Women leaders this year,” said Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, American Heart Association Hampton Roads volunteer board chair and adjunct professor for Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. “They both exude experience and leadership that will make a notable impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, February 2, 2024 which is also National Wear Red Day at the 2023-2024 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Sentara Health and TowneBank. For more information contact Laura Bynum at (757) 812-4654 or [email protected].
###
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is
a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. 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. For 19 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Jaylyn Brown; 443-866-7733, [email protected]