ATLANTA, May 13, 2025 — Hundreds of people decked out in red from head to toe are expected to gather Thursday, May 22 for the Atlanta Go Red for Women Luncheon to raise awareness and help fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 killer of women.
For more than 20 years, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, has met the evolving health needs of women and addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of their greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women is a source of credible health solutions at every age, stage, and season of life.
“The Go Red for Women Luncheon isn’t just about wearing red—it’s about raising awareness around heart health to empower women and all individuals to live healthier lives,” said Julia Houston, chief legal officer of Equifax and the American Heart Association’s 2025 Atlanta Go Red for Women chairperson. “As we celebrate more than two decades of Go Red for Women in Atlanta, we recognize the progress we’ve made and recommit to addressing women’s greatest health threat—because women deserve to be seen, heard, and prioritized in every conversation about health.”
The event will include silent and live auctions, a health expo, and a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Stephanie Blank, community leader and American Heart Association board member. Panelists will include: Dr. Toni Alvarado, Co-Pastor of Grace International Church; Nydia Bladuell, MD, cardiologist at Wellstar Health System; Meg Pirkle, chief engineer at the Georgia Department of Transportation; Alicia Saunders, founder of Olivia’s Herd, LLC; and Representative Deborah Silcox of Georgia House District 53. Jennifer Valdez, meteorologist for Atlanta News First, will serve as the event’s emcee. Registration and access to the exhibit hall will begin at 10 a.m., with the luncheon program starting at noon at the JW Marriott Buckhead.
“Many of us have been or know someone who has been affected by heart disease and Go Red For Women is truly changing the way we look at our heart health,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director of the American Heart Association, Metro Atlanta. “It empowers and inspires women to take charge of their heart health, and we are grateful to be a part of such an incredible movement committed to improving the health of our communities. Not only is this event a call to action, but a celebration of the stories, strength, and lifesaving impact of women coming together to make a difference.”
Since 2004, Go Red for Women has engaged more than 2 million women to learn their risk of heart disease and stroke and to take powerful steps to take charge of their health. Through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast and committed to connecting women to motivate, educate and inspire each other.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Southern Company, Wellstar Health System and Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
For more information on how to get involved with the Go Red for Women Luncheon, visit www.heart.org/atlgored.
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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:
Erin Thomas; Erin.Thomas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
