BATON ROUGE, La., December 19, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Baton Rouge 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 Felicia Stevens, VP of community relations for Genesis 360, LLC, and the 2026 chair for Capital Area Go Red for Women® movement. Stevens will empower 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 healthy lives.
“I was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of 32, and I have seen friends and family struggle with the impact of heart disease. This is why I want to use my voice as chair of the 2026 Capital Area Go Red for Women movement to ensure women know that their health matters and to take prevention seriously,” said Stevens. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet so many don’t know the signs or take preventive steps until it’s too late. I look forward to working with my leadership team and the Association to spread awareness, empower women, and ensure our Capital Area community prioritizes their heart health.”
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.
“There is one source of support women can count on, each other. Felicia’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in our community,” said Nicole Jackson, executive director, American Heart Association, Capital Area.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the 2026 Capital Area Go Red for Women Experience at the L’Auberge Event Center. The event will feature special guest speakers, an exciting silent auction, Live Fierce fashion show, selfie station, lipstick/glitter bar, and so much more.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Capital Area Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by Cardio Health Solutions (Live Fierce Capital Area sponsor), Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascular Institute (Live Fierce Take Action sponsor), RJ Daigle & Sons, Healthy Blue Louisiana, and Genesis 360 LLC. For more information, contact the Capital Area Go Red team at
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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:
Mary Fein; Mary.Fein@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
