JACKSONVILLE, Fla. May 20, 2025 — On May 2, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, held its First Coast Go Red for Women® Health Summit and Luncheon. The event, hosted at the GuideWell/Florida Blue Conference Center, raised $800,000 and gathered more than 250 guests, who wore red in support of women’s cardiovascular health.

The funds raised at the event will support the Association’s efforts in women’s clinical care, enhance awareness, advocate for policy and system changes, support research and provide CPR training.

The afternoon included sponsored breakout sessions led by physicians from Baptist Health, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital (sponsored by Florida Blue), Mayo Clinic in Florida and UF Health Jacksonville highlighting “heart truths” specific to women’s heart health. Additionally, various companies from across the First Coast set up expo booths, which offered interactive activities for participants such as Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, blood pressure screenings and other engaging experiences.

This year’s First Coast Go Red for Women Chairperson was Kate Mays, chief operating officer at CSI Companies. The luncheon program was hosted by Melanie Lawson, Morning Show anchor at News4Jax, and featured an Open Your Heart fundraising segment and a paddle raise. Additionally, this year’s Woman of Impact Chairperson, Taylor Clark, vice president of strategic accounts at CSI Companies, honored this year’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ nominees on stage. Nominees participated in the 2025 Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nine-week fundraising campaigns to drive awareness and raise funds for women’s heart health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement has been committed to making a difference in women’s heart health at every stage.

“It was deeply moving to witness so many women dressed in red and offering one another unwavering support, united by the common goal of fighting heart disease and stroke,” said Jordan Boys, Go Red for Women director for the American Heart Association, First Coast. “The Go Red for Women movement is making a difference for women’s health, and we are so thankful for those who helped make the event possible.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the First Coast Go Red for Women Health Summit and Luncheon is locally sponsored by more than 20 companies, including Life is Why sponsor Florida Blue, Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ national sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare, platform sponsor FIS, Woman of Impact campaign sponsor CSI Companies and platinum sponsors KPMG and Newfold Digital.

For more information on how to donate, visit First Coast Go Red for Women

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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:

Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org