The community volunteer chairs of the 2023-2024 South Florida area Go Red for Women movement have been announced by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthier lives for everyone. Kathy Salerno, the Executive Director of Community Relations at Broward Health, and Ana VeigaMilton, the president of the José Milton Foundation, will serve as the chairs. The Go Red for Women initiative, a global effort by the American Heart Association aimed at raising awareness about women’s heart health, is intended to be a catalyst for change that improves women’s lives on local, national, and global levels.
“I am thrilled to help lead the experience, conviction, and passion to amplify the Go Red for Women movement right here in South Florida,” VeigaMilton says. “Together, we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them. I embrace this mission with heart.”
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for more deaths each year than all types of cancer combined. It remains the most significant health risk for women, with one in every three women losing their lives to this condition. In South Florida in 2022, major cardiovascular diseases claimed the lives of almost 6,600 women. Additionally, one in every three women in the region had hypertension.
“I see remarkable stories of adversity and recovery every day,” Salerno says. “Seeing firsthand how the work of the American Heart Association affects the lives of everyday Americans is what inspired me to chair the Go Red Movement this year, and I know we can take our message of self-care and prevention to even more women than ever this year.”
At the Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 17, the American Heart Association will celebrate its centennial year, which acknowledges the 100 years of research the organization has funded, leading to significant medical advancements in cardiovascular research.
“The American Heart Association will continue to fuel science and innovation, fund lifesaving research, stand for the rights of patients and caregivers, work with communities, and transcend the way we live, work and play,” says Marisol Garcia, Executive Director of the American Heart Association’s Greater-Miami and Fort Lauderdale Market. “This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.”
The annual luncheon’s theme is “Her Story is Our Story,” which aims to highlight that any woman attendees know or love can be impacted by heart disease. The association is working towards raising awareness for women’s health by encouraging people to “Go Red for life,” “Go Red for good,” and “Go Red for Women.” During the event, survivors in the community who have directly benefited from the American Heart Association’s investments and research over the past century will be recognized and celebrated.
Returning for a third year is the Woman of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and directly impact women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner.
For more information about Go Red for Women, contact Michele Fernandez at michele.fernandez@heart.org.
