Miss Arkansas and heart health advocate Cori Keller to be keynote speaker at Central Arkansas Go Red for Women … – American Heart Association

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 6, 2024 This year, more than 250 people dressed in red will attend the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.

The luncheon is May 8 at the Benton Event Center with AY Media Group publisher Heather Baker as honorary chairperson and Miss Arkansas Cori Keller as keynote speaker. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for a health and product expo and silent auction. The program will also include an Open Your Heart moment and presentation of the first Women in Medicine Award to Jean McSweeney, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FAAN. McSweeney, now retired from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, is well-known her research at the university.

One hundred years after its founding, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, looks to its premier womens movement, Go Red for Women, to help usher in a second century of pioneering progress towards health equity for women.

Arkansas ranks 43rd in the U.S. in for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in women, according to the United Health Foundations Americas Health Rankings. At least 3.4% women ages 18-44 reported being told by a health professional that they had angina or coronary heart disease, a heart attack or myocardial infarction or a stroke.

I chose to support this campaign to celebrate the progress weve made over the years, but more importantly, to inspire the community to demand more, said Keller, a staunch advocate for the American Heart Association.

But we cant do it alone, she continued. Its time to make bold moves and support innovative solutions for womens cardiovascular health. Go Red for your mother, your daughter, your friends, and yourself. Because when we come together, we can motivate, educate, support and help save each other.

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates 20 years of making an impact, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.

Whether its learning CPR, joining Research Goes Red, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community, said American Heart Association-Central Arkansas Executive Director Nikki Smith.

Go Red for Women is here for womens health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives, she continued. And by coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact.

As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. In fact, its the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[1] Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[2] Thats why its important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and presented locally by Centennial sponsor Saline Health System. Other local sponsors include Live Fierce Centennial sponsor CHI St. Vincent and platinum sponsor Baptist Health. In addition to About You and Arkansas Money & Politics, media support comes from THV11, KURB-FM B98.5, The Saline Courier and the Malvern Daily Record.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nations health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

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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 publics health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us onheart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Go Red for Women

The American Heart Associations signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase womens 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 visitGoRedforWomen.orgor call1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

For media inquiries:

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Miss Arkansas and heart health advocate Cori Keller to be keynote speaker at Central Arkansas Go Red for Women ... - American Heart Association