HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Feb. 26, 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] Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in Hollywood, Florida, Dionne Polite, director of state operations at AARP Florida will serve as the 2025 volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon in South Florida.

Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s (AHA) global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. Polite will play a critical role in women’s health and will lead the 2025 South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon. “I believe in the Association’s mission, and feel that it should take all of us doing our part, whatever that might look like.” shared Polite, “As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘Each one, reach one, teach one.’”

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] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change, so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because my close friend, a 42-year-old Latina, tragically passed away, following a heart attack and a subsequent stroke.” said Polite. “This loss deeply affected me and fueled my determination to ensure all women, and especially women of color, receive the medical care and attention they deserve. I look forward to being an example and an advocate for women, particularly professional women of color, as we seem to dismiss many indicators while juggling our careers and families.”

Go Red for Women is championing better health and well-being for all women, helping them live their best lives through every age, stage, and season. This event focuses on connection and engagement, fostering an atmosphere of interaction and networking at every turn.

“We are incredibly grateful for Dionne Polite and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Marisol Vera, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Miami Fort Lauderdale. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this, she is making a significant impact on our community.”

Go Red for Women is making an impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on April 11 at the Hollywood Go Red for Women Luncheon.

The movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, Aetna, and the South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Amazon, Florida Power and Light, Jose Milton Foundation, City Furniture, Broward Health, LaCroix, Blue Legacy Ventures, Marsh, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and Vitas Healthcare.

For more information visit South Florida Go Red For Women or contact Mallory Weintraub at mallory.weintraub@heart.org.

###

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:

Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org