Chicago, IL – Feb. 6, 2025 – This National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February, people and landmarks across the U.S. – from news desks to iconic buildings – will “Go Red” once again to raise awareness and education around women’s heart health as part of the American Heart Association’s American Heart Month celebration. Here in Chicago, some of the well-known buildings that will be lighting up red for women’s heart health include:

  • 110 N Wacker
  • 300 S Riverside Plaza
  • 311 S Wacker
  • 900 N Michigan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Building
  • The Drake Hotel
  • Chicago Board of Trade
  • John Hancock Observatory
  • Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
  • McCormick Place 
  • Merchandise Mart
  • Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
  • One Two Pru
  • Soldier Field
  • United Center (Feb. 6 only)
  • Willis Tower
  • Wintrust Arena
  • The Wrigley Building

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women. Nearly 45% of women 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[1] CVD also is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms.[2] On National Wear Red Day, Feb. 7, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women®, urges everyone in Chicago to join us in advocating for better health and well-being for all women. Go Red for Women is asking everyone to wear red and join the movement online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #GoRedforWomen.

National Wear Red Day is dedicated to raising awareness and increasing education to save more women’s lives. There are many ways to save a life, like learning Hands-Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) so more women get immediate life-saving help they need in an emergency, joining Research Goes Red to ensure women are represented in cardiovascular research, inviting a friend to work out, prioritizing doctor’s appointments, or taking a quiet moment alone to de-stress and practice self-care. Heart health is personal and always worth the investment.

“National Wear Red Day in Chicago is a campaign that spans across generations, walks of life, careers and locations to encourage women to be a critical part of the American Heart Association’s community and nation of health care warriors,” said Emily Chase, this year’s Go Red for Women Chicago chair and the executive vice president and chief operating officer of University of Chicago Medical Center. “I’m proud to be leading this movement and doing my part to encourage all Chicagoans to Go Red for the women they love, the women they work with, the women they admire and, even, the women they’ve yet to meet.”

According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update, cardiovascular disease remains the greatest health threat for women. This is why the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, is asking women to make bold moves today for healthier tomorrows.

There are multiple ways to support the Go Red for Women mission. The Big Lots Foundation, a National Go Red for Women supporter, is matching donations (up to $500,000 total) made on heart.org and goredforwomen.org for the entire month of February. Additionally, Big Lots stores are helping customers “go red” by offering a Red Dress pin for donations of $3 or more, while supplies last, as part of their national Life is WhyTM campaign, the Association’s point-of-sale giving campaign. CVS Health will also offer their customers an opportunity to give at the register throughout the month in addition to supporting year-round research, education and access to care that improves women’s cardiovascular health, including initiatives aimed at addressing the maternal heart health crisis and reducing hypertension rates.

Find educational resources to support women’s heart health at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women is locally sponsored in Chicago by UChicago Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Dover Corporation. For more information about the Chicago Go Red for Women movement, contact Meghan Gaeger, associate vice president of development, Go Red for Women at Meghan.Gaeger@Heart.org or visit http://www.heart.org/chicagogored.

 

###

 

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