This year, more than 500 people dressed in red attended Chattanooga’s 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 one in three women.
Chattanooga Go Red for Women Luncheon guests rallied at the heart-healthy event and raised $547,425 to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies, and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat, cardiovascular disease.
Tracy Wood, CEO of Journey Health Foundation and Jasmin Rippon, vice president of Development and Philanthropy Officer of Journey Health Foundation served as the executive volunteer chairs of the 2024-2025 Chattanooga Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th birthday, Ms. Wood and Ms. Rippon played a critical role by leading Chattanooga in this global movement.
“Chattanooga's heart beats strong," said Ms. Wood. "Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and each and every one of you, we've surpassed our fundraising goals, reaching over half a million dollars. This empowers us to make a real difference in the lives of women in our community. Together, we're fostering a future where heart disease is no longer the leading cause of death for women. Let's keep the momentum going. Visit the website, www.heart.org/chattgored, to learn more about how you can continue supporting the Go Red for Women movement.”
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.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year AHA’s Go Red for Women’s luncheon," said Ms. Rippon. "To our sponsors, committee members, and dedicated attendees, your unwavering support of this vital initiative made it a resounding success. By empowering, educating, and raising awareness about women’s heart health, we can compose a brighter future, where every beat counts. Thank you."
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 percent of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. In fact, it’s 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. 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. That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
For more information visit www.heart.org/chattgored