Alaskans invited to wear red for women’s health on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6

Anchorage, Alaska, January 19, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] On National Wear Red Day, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, urges Alaskans to join the Go Red for Women® movement in championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red on Fri., Feb. 6 and spreading awareness. 

Here are some ways to participate in National Wear Red Day:

• Wear red and share: add a pop of red to your outfit for a fun and easy way to get involved. Share your red photos on social media using #WearRedDay and #GoRedAlaska and tag the American Heart Association in Alaska at @AmericanHeartAK.
• Light your building in red: Join buildings and local landmarks including Providence Hospital in changing exterior lighting to red to commemorate the Go Red for Women movement.
• Go red at work: employee engagement ideas include encouraging staff members to wear red, hosting a desk-decorating challenge, using downloadable Wear Red Day virtual meeting backgrounds, planning a walking meeting or offer healthy red snacks in the breakroom to celebrate.
• Go red at home: snap a family photo in red and share it to elevate awareness. Pets can participate, too!
• Join Research Goes Red: help ensure more women are represented in scientific discovery. Learn more and join at GoRedforWomen.org/research. 

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] To help illustrate the real-world impact of CVD and how it can happen at any age, three local volunteers are sharing their personal stories of heart disease and stroke as 2026 Go Red for Women Ambassadors in Alaska. Serving alongside these volunteers is April Park, MBA, SHRM-SCP, 2026 Anchorage Go Red for Women volunteer chair and chief operating officer at Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, who urges women to take action. 

“National Wear Red Day is about joining together to support the health and well-being of our mothers, daughters, sisters and the people who love them,” said Park. “It’s also a day when we can be inspired to take an action for our health like scheduling an annual wellness visit, preparing a heart healthy meal or learn Hands-Only CPR.” 

Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Providence Alaska, Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, LifeMed Alaska, the Ellsworth Foundation, Alaska Regional Hospital and Alyeska Vascular Surgery.

Additional resources:

• Multimedia is available on the right side of this release
• 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update Fact Sheet Females and Cardiovascular Diseases

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Alaska, connect with us on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram or X.

About Go Red for Women® 

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s 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 visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). 

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org