SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 3, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Central New York and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Cary Mullin, senior vice president and general manager at Belden, who is serving as the 2026 chair for Syracuse’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Mullin. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support. Life moves fast—careers, calendars, and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option. When we say Go Red for Women, we mean Red Means Go.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Cary’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Central New York,” said Heather Evans, executive director of the American Heart Association in Central New York.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Thursday, October 29, at the 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon to take place at the Oncenter.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Belden, St. Joseph’s Health and others, and media sponsors 93Q, Eagle Newspapers, NBC3/CBS5/CW6/CNYCentral.com and Syracuse Woman Magazine. For more information, contact Go Red for Women Director Denise McGraw at Denise.McGraw@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/goredsyracuse.
###
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:
Kristy Smorol, communications director, 315.243.5705 or Kristy.Smorol@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
