UTICA, N.Y., Feb. 3, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for
women in the United States. 1 On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and
landmarks across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness of women’s No. 1 killer. In Utica, more than 65 companies have agreed to illuminate their buildings red on Wear Red Day, and have staff wear red that day.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, Joanne Donaruma Wade, board member of the American Heart
Association in the Mohawk Valley, is hosting a gathering of women survivors of cardiovascular disease at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, 147 N. Genessee St. in Utica, beginning at 5:30 p.m.. Delmonico’s is one of the buildings that will be illuminated red.
The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is working to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke can happen at any age and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. 2 On National Wear Red Day, the Heart Association urges everyone to join the Go Red for Women® movement in championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red and spreading awareness. You can join the conversation online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #GoRedforWomen.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, is asking women to make bold moves today for a healthier tomorrow:
Know your numbers: Maintaining good blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol
and body mass index can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Join Research Goes Red to help ensure more women are represented and counted
when it comes to scientific discovery: Women continue to be underrepresented in
cardiovascular research
Learn Hands-Only CPR and be equipped with the knowledge to save a life: women are
less likely to receive bystander CPR
“National Wear Red Day is about more than kicking off American Heart Month, it’s about
everyone coming together to support the health and well-being of our mothers, daughters,
sisters and the people who love them,” said Staci Thompson, president and CEO of Bassett
Healthcare Network and chair of the 2026 Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon. “This is a great example of people across the country, not just here in the Mohawk Valley, banding together to unite for women’s health. And the health of our communities.” Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org. The
Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon is set for May 13 at the Utica University Nexus
Center. For more information about the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women movement, visit
http://www.heart.org/mvgoesred.
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).
