Stacey Brandt to chair local 2025-26 Go Red For Women® movement

TAMPA, Fla., July 1, 2025 – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Driven by her deep commitment to advancing women’s heart health in Tampa Bay, Stacey Brandt, executive vice president & chief administrative officer at Tampa General Hospital, has been named the 2025–2026 Volunteer Chair for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Tampa.

Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association’s global initiative launched over 20 years ago, continues to raise awareness and inspire action around the unique heart health challenges women face. As the Association continues in its second century of impact, Brandt will take on a vital leadership role—guiding the Tampa Bay Go Red for Women movement and heading the local Volunteer Executive Leadership Team to help drive meaningful change.

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.[2] The American Heart Association is committed to improving health for everyone, highlighting that a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease evolves throughout her life. Milestones like pregnancy and menopause can impact heart health in significant ways. The encouraging news is that most heart disease events are preventable with the right knowledge and healthy habits. That’s why the Go Red for Women movement empowers women to take control of their well-being—and to uplift and support one another in doing the same. Because when it comes to heart health, a woman’s strongest ally is often another woman.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because heart disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including those we love,” said Brandt. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

In the past year, the American Heart Association, Tampa Bay has empowered more than 2,300 new moms and their families through Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and lifesaving education. Many also received blood pressure monitors to track their numbers before, during, and after pregnancy — a critical step in addressing high blood pressure, the leading pregnancy-related cause of death in Florida. But our impact doesn’t stop there.

The American Heart Association, Tampa Bay, is committed to supporting women at every stage of life. Through hands-on education and resources focused on whole-person health, tens of thousands of women have gained valuable guidance on nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and nicotine cessation, sleep hygiene, and other evidence-based strategies to protect heart and brain health. Together, we’re changing the narrative, equipping women with the tools to take control of their well-being, and helping more women live longer, healthier lives.

“We are profoundly grateful for Stacey’s remarkable commitment to the Go Red for Women initiative,” said Nina Morgan, executive director of the American Heart Association, Tampa Bay. “Her strategic vision, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication will help elevate awareness and increase support for women’s heart health. Through her leadership, our community will be better-informed and more deeply invested in this lifesaving movement.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement making an impact in more than 50 countries—including communities across the United States. In Tampa Bay, this year’s progress and milestones will be honored at the Go Red for Women Experience on February 18, 2026, celebrating the power of local voices driving change for women’s heart health.

Businesses and organizations interested in participating or sponsoring the 2025-2026 Tampa Bay Go Red for Women campaign can contact the American Heart Association at TampaBay@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, on 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:

Madison Potter; Madison.Potter@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org