The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health in San Antonio and beyond.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet fewer than half of women are aware of this sobering fact. The American Heart Association is working to change that through the Go Red for Women® movement. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed awareness and clinical care gaps surrounding a woman’s greatest health threat. Moreover, the initiative unites women worldwide to understand their cardiovascular risk. It also helps them fight back against their No. 1 killer.
Typically, red means stop — danger, proceed with caution — but women’s heart health can’t wait. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go. The San Antonio Go Red for Women event was held Feb. 11 at the InterContinental Hotel. At this event, nearly 300 community members were empowered to learn about women’s heart health. In addition, they supported lifesaving research, education, and advocacy. The program honored survivors and celebrated advancements in heart health. It also raised over $30,000 to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent CVD in women.
“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, and events like this one are essential to raising awareness and providing education so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Dr. Monika Kapur, volunteer co-chair of American Heart Association – San Antonio Go Red for Women and president of University Medicine Associates. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported, and no one faces this journey alone.”
Photo credit to the American Heart Association.
Why Women’s Heart Health Can’t Wait
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women also experience unique life stages — such as pregnancy and menopause — that can significantly affect their heart health risk. Yet women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research and are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.
Go Red for Women is meeting women’s health and wellness needs at every age, every stage, and every season of life — serving as a trusted, credible source for health solutions. Furthermore, the movement is committed to supporting women-centric research. It is also closing gaps in cardiovascular care.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re investing in research and solutions designed for women’s unique health needs,” said Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, volunteer co-chair of American Heart Association – San Antonio Go Red for Women and president and CEO of Community First Health Plans. “Here in San Antonio, that means increasing access to blood pressure monitoring stations and healthcare, because women deserve support for their health and well-being at every age and stage of life.”
Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women across San Antonio and the nation are taking action to live longer and healthier lives. Red Means Go.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The San Antonio Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by Community First Health Plans, University Health, Methodist Healthcare (supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation), Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Methodist Healthcare System, Holt Group, SWBC, Frost Bank, KENS 5, and San Antonio Woman Magazine.
For more information, contact Loren Reyes at loren.reyes@heart.org or visit heart.org/sanantoniogored.
Photo credit to the American Heart Association.
