UTICA, N.Y., March 11, 2026 — Pregnancy and welcoming a new baby into the world can be a joyous time. At the same time, the American Heart Association knows that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms. It can pose a threat to women’s heart health during pregnancy and later in life, making it important that women understand how to care for themselves and their new babies.
The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy.
On Wednesday, March 11, at Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company joined the Go Red movement in this commitment and provided 25 New Mom Kits to Bassett Healthcare Network. Medical professionals at Bassett’s Women’s Health clinics in Oneonta and Cooperstown will determine which patients will receive the kits.
The kits contain a self-monitoring blood pressure cuff, an Infant CPR kit, and information about maintaining health and accessing programs to improve nutrition.
“Many people know that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, but not as many realize it’s also the number one cause of death in pregnant women and new moms,” said Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, president & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network and chair of the 2026 Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon. “We are thrilled to join with the American Heart Association to offer New Mom Kits to our patients. I am deeply grateful to Preferred Mutual Insurance Company for their generosity to make this possible. This amazing little toolkit is lifesaving. Knowledge is power.”
“Supporting the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve is an important part of who we are at Preferred Mutual Insurance Company,” said R. Benedikt Sander, president and CEO of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. “We are grateful to collaborate with the American Heart Association to provide these New Mom Kits and help ensure families have access to resources that support the health of both mothers and babies. We hope these kits offer meaningful support to local families during such an important time.”
“The American Heart Association is proud to work with Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and Bassett Healthcare Network to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in new moms,” said Theresa Kalil-Lennon of Steve Lennon and Co. Jewelers and chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley. “By coming together and providing these kits, we can help women reduce the risk factors that can complicate an otherwise joyful time in their lives.”
For information about the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley, visit www.heart.org/MohawkValley.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
