UTICA, N.Y., March 30, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in the Mohawk Valley and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, who is serving as the 2026 chair for the Mohawk Valley’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” Thompson said. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
As part of their sponsorship, Bassett will host a STEM event for young women, to interest them in the field of science, technology, engineering and math.
Bassett has been working with the American Heart Association on reducing rates of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the Mohawk Valley. As part of the Association’s Lower the Pressure initiative, Bassett practitioners have identified patients who would benefit from the use of self-monitored blood pressure devices. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and by reducing the risk, more lives can be saved.
Bassett also recently received 25 of the American Heart Association’s New Mom Kits, sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. The kits will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are pregnant or who have just given birth.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Staci’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in the Mohawk Valley,” said Theresa Lennon, chair of the Mohawk Valley board of directors of the American Heart Association and co-owner of Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers. “We’re also excited that we had so many attendees last year, we needed to find a new, larger venue for this year’s event. We look forward to welcoming the women of the Mohawk Valley to this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Nexus Center.”
Thompson is joined by an Executive Leadership Team whose members include:
- Dr. Juleen Qandah, CNY Brain and Spine
- Lorene Bass, ARC Herkimer
- MaKenna Cooley, Northwestern Mutual
- Lisa Briggs, Fit Body Boot Camp
- Pauline Ashworth, Preferred Mutual
- Alicia Brockway, Beacon Bank
- Crystal Graves, Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy
- Angela Belmont, Bassett Healthcare Network
- Lisa Betrus, Bassett Healthcare Network
- Kathy Stockbridge, NYSTEC
- Holly Cassella, Bassett Healthcare Network
- Carrie Putelo, Mohawk Valley Living Magazine
The 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Utica University Nexus Center, 400 Oriskany St. West, Utica. Registration and networking will take place between 10:30 and 11:15, with the rest of the event divided into different acts. From 11:30 to noon, Act I will be a heart-healthy lunch. From noon to 12:20 p.m., Act II will be action, and Act III, from 12:20 to 12:30 will be empowerment. From 12:30 to 2 p.m., there will be pop-up activities that will include health screenings, a tribute wall, a mindfulness moment and live entertainment.
For information and to register, visit www.heart.org/mvgoesred.
About the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon
The Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon is set for Wednesday, May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Utica University Nexus Cewnter, 400 Oriskany St. West, Utica. Staci Thompson, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, is chairing the event. There will be networking, a heart-healthy lunch, survivor stories and pop-up activities following the Luncheon. Sponsors include Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Bassett Healthcare Network, ProMedia, WKTV, Townsquare Media, New York Sash and Sentinel Media. For information about sponsorship or to purchase tickets, visit www.heart.org/mvgoesred.
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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.
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 more than two decades, 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).
