'Red Means Go’ for Austin women’s heart health
AUSTIN, February 28, 2026 — This February, 400 Austin women united at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon to address their greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. Through educational pop-ups, experiences like indoor tennis, and a keynote speech from heart survivor and stress researcher Eliz Greene, the Go Red for Women Luncheon encouraged women to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being.
Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but heart health can’t wait. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, but is frequently dismissed. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go!
The Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon, held on Feb. 12, empowered 400 Austinites to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised $400K+ to continue better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
“Heart disease and stroke are deeply personal to me,” said Lauren Suarez, Austin Go Red for Women Chair and CEO of encompass health rehabilitation hospital of Austin. “My mother, a strong and healthy woman who rarely ever catches a cold, dismissed her early symptoms as stress and suffered a stroke. Quick action saved my mother’s life, but this experience has fueled my passion for awareness and prevention – especially among women who may overlook early symptoms or be overlooked by doctors. Women must fiercely protect their health and the health of those they love.”
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.
“As a young heart disease survivor in the early 2000s, I felt the stigma of heart disease,” said Eliz Greene, stress researcher, heart survivor, and Austin Go Red for Women keynote speaker. “People would ask me if I wasn’t taking care of myself. Now, women are more awareness of the importance of heart health, but there is so much more to do. Even as young women, we are laying the foundation for our future health and quality of life.”
Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women are taking action to live longer and healthier. Red Means Go.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Austin Go Red for Women movement is presented by Ascension Seton and locally sponsored by Encompass Health, Texas Mutual, and St. David’s. For more information contact Kimberly Wright at Kimberly.wright@heart.org.
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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.
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:
Name: Michael Vybiral, michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
