Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women. During American Heart Month in February, four Rochester leaders joined the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement to change this statistic through the Woman of Impact initiative. Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a catalyst to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February 7 to April 10 to raise funds to advance research and education initiatives to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
Heart disease unfairly targets women, who have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. However, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life as a trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and yet less than half of women are aware of this,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association in Rochester. “Woman of Impact nominees can use the platform to bring Rochester women together, educate them on their risks and inspire them to take charge of their heart health. Together, we can ensure every woman is heard and counted when it comes to their heart health, and no one has to go it alone.”
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in hundreds of cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 7. At the start of the campaign, nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women in their communities through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance equitable health. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Rochester American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and other lifesaving research, advocacy, and education.
Rochester’s 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
•Melissa Gleason, RN, URMC Advanced Heart Failure Program
•Shayne Hawkins, Nurse Manager, URMC
•Jess Mattson, Assistant Office Manager, Connors & Ferris, LLP
•Kelly Quinn, Senior Client Manager, Unum
After nine weeks of driving immense impact, the competition will culminate on April 10. One nominee will be named the Rochester 2025 Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local community winners, one changemaker from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner on April 15.
“At the American Heart Association, as we enter our second century of lifesaving work, our future is about improving yours. Women motivate, educate and inspire each other. When it comes to their health, women have the best resource; they have each other,” said Vargulick. “That is why we are thrilled that these women have joined us in our relentless efforts to make a measurable difference on women’s heart health in Rochester.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of one in three women.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Rochester visit https://www.goredforwomen.org.
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