UTICA, NEW YORK, February 4, 2021 — Despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, heart disease remains the leading killer of women in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s newly released 2021 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics.[1] At the same time, recent market research has indicated that the youngest most diverse women are the least aware that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is their greatest health threat.[2]
The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is calling on women in the Utica area to spread awareness on National Wear Red Day®, February 5, 2021, that 1 in 3 women are dying from cardiovascular disease.
Women (and men) are encouraged to “wear red and give” as part of the American Heart Association’s signature movement, Go Red for Women®, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with support from National Wear Red Day matching partner Big Lots and the Big Lots Foundation.
Beginning at 4 p.m. on Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 5, companies in the Utica area will illuminate their buildings red to help raise awareness bout heart disease in women. Townsquare Media spearheaded this initiative, and a list of participating companies is attached.
Heart disease kills one woman every 80 seconds and takes more lives than all forms of cancer combined.1 Heart disease and stroke also impact the lives of 1 in 3 women – or a third of mothers, sisters and friends – and cardiac events are on the rise in young women in their 20s.[3]
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement encourages people to take action through the month of February by:
- Wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. The iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel is available at ShopHeart.org.
- Making a donation to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association at WearRedDay.org, or at the local Utica site, Go Red for Women Mohawk Valley. Big Lots and The Big Lots Foundation will match online donations on National Wear Red Day, up to $333,000.
- Visiting CVS Health and making a donation at the register until March 6. Also, donations can be made online at www.CVSHealth.com/GoRed.
- Signing up to participate in the lifesaving clinical trial research through the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Verily’s Project Baseline: Research Goes Red initiative.
- Joining the conversation by using #WearRedAndGive and tagging @AHANewYork on social media.
Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org.
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.
About Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent 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 17 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).
