Cardiovascular disease is often thought of as a man’s illness, but it’s also the leading cause of death for women, killing more than all forms of cancer combined. It’s a sobering fact, but one that many women are unaware of, according to Rosie Schott, development director of Go Red for Women for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. “Only around 44% of women are aware of the impact of cardiovascular disease,” she notes. “The first step to making a difference is to know what the problem is.” For more than 20 years, the Go Red for Women campaign has championed better health and well-being for women of all ages and backgrounds.
In 2004, the American Heart Association published the first set of evidence-based guidelines for women and heart health. This was the beginning of Go Red for Women, and the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Over the past two decades, the campaign has championed to address insurance disparities between men and women, promoted the inclusion of women in STEM careers and launched research initiatives. “Our goal is to engage women in their own health so they can feel confident and informed,” Schott explains. “At every unique stage of women’s lives, we are empowering them in the fight against cardiovascular disease.”
One facet of Go Red for Women is the Women of Impact initiative. The campaign invites changemakers in the community to leverage their influence and networks to make an impact on heart health. This includes fundraising to support lifesaving research as well as advocating for the well-being of women. “To take part in Women of Impact, individuals are nominated by heart disease survivors or American Heart Association volunteers,” Schott says. “They participate in impact opportunities to spread awareness of all of the different facets of heart disease and how to fight it. The goal is to make sure the community knows that it is the No. 1 killer.”
The Go Red for Women’s annual luncheon is April 24 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. This year’s campaign is being led by Alaina Macia of MTM Health, and the event will focus on how the different stages of women’s lives affect their heart health. As well as hearing from a cardiovascular expert, guests will also have the opportunity to learn the stories of survivors. “The luncheon is a great opportunity for women in a variety of different industries to come together,” Schott explains. “It not only offers the chance to get to know each other, but it’s an opportunity to learn the importance of standing together to advocate for our health.”
Go Red for Women is just one way the American Heart Association is spreading awareness in St. Louis. The annual St. Louis Heart Walk will bring together St. Louisans to make a stand against heart disease on May 31. Schott encourages everyone to get involved however they can to support the community’s health. “Our goal is to change the statistics for cardiovascular disease,” Schott says. “The American Heart Association is working to ensure everyone everywhere has the resources, care and knowledge they need to advocate for their heart health.”
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign is dedicated to championing better health and well-being for women at every stage in their life. Its annual luncheon is April 24 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: 2025 Go Red for Women chair Alaina Macia of MTM Health and 2026 chair Lori Coulter of Summersalt.
For more information, call 636.698.4973 or visit heart.org/stlouisgored.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Guests enjoy the 2024 Go Red for Women luncheon.
Photo: Photo: Michael Schlueter Photography
