Champaign, IL Dec. 15, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Champaign 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 Emma Rock, assistant vice president, event strategy director for Busey Bank, who is serving as the 2025 chair for Champaign’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. The local campaign will culminate with the Champaign Go Red for Women Luncheon in Spring 2026. This will be the first Go Red for Women luncheon in Champaign since 2021. 

“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down — but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Rock. “Go Red for Women is a call to action 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.

Under Emma’s leadership, the Champaign Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team has been instrumental in bringing awareness, positivity and steady commitment to empowering women and improving heart health in the community. The Champaign Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team is comprised of two additional change agents who are focused on mobilizing their networks to be a relentless force for greater health:

  • Dr. Alina Brener, cardiologist, Carle Foundation Hospital
  • Blakely Gallivan, membership and marketing director, Champaign Country Club

Community support directly fuels the research, education and lifesaving programs that help the American Heart Association reach more women and families in Champaign, across Illinois and nationwide.

“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Emma’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Champaign,” said Kaitlin McVey, Development Director with the American Heart Association, Champaign.

The American Heart Association, Champaign’s supporters, staff and sponsors will celebrate the Go Red for Women campaign’s local achievements at the 2025-2026 Champaign Go Red for Women Luncheon on Thursday, March 12. The luncheon will take place at the Champaign Country Club (1211 S Prospect Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820).

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information about attending or sponsoring the Champaign Go Red for Women Luncheon, contact Kaitlin McVey at (319) 759-9392 or visit www.heart.org/champaigngored.

 

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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:
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org