Published: March 24, 2025

Heart health isn’t a solo trip, it’s a movement

American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon in Dallas highlights the journey too many women face

DALLAS, March 24, 2025 — The annual Dallas Go Red for Women campaign is on track to meet its goal of raising over two million dollars to improve the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease in women. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, yet women remain underdiagnosed and untreated. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is dedicated to addressing this disparity. The campaign's 2025 luncheon united supporters from North Texas to promote women's heart health and fund vital research during Women's History Month.

A sea of red-clad travelers filled the Fairmont Dallas Hotel on March 7, 2025, as 700 guests gathered for the 2025 Dallas Go Red for Women luncheon. The event seamlessly blended education with entertainment, offering attendees a fun and engaging experience. Guests participated in health assessments and Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, while also enjoying a silent auction, somatic breathing sessions, an interactive tribute wall, and numerous photo opportunities.

The luncheon honored survivors, celebrated supporters, and highlighted advancements in heart health. The audience was moved as the stage filled with women from across North Texas, sharing their personal journeys with heart disease and stroke, vividly bringing to life the statistic that 1 in 3 women are affected. Notable appearances included Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, who engaged in a fireside chat titled “How the Go Red for Women Movement Is Advancing Women’s Health” with Shannon Murray from Fox 4 DFW, also the day's emcee; Annette Addo-Yobo, Miss Texas 2024-2025, along with fellow titleholders from the Miss Texas organization; Doreen Griffith, incoming Dallas board chairperson, presented the Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award to Barclay Berdan, Texas Health Resources CEO.

Another highlight of the event was Andrea Heid sharing her inspiring journey with heart failure at forty-two. Her heartfelt story underscored the importance of awareness, self-advocacy, and the life-changing medical advancements brought about by funds raised through initiatives like the Go Red for Women movement. Andrea's inspiring journey resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the critical need for continued efforts in women's heart health.

“The support shown at our Dallas Go Red for Women event demonstrates the power of community and the incredible impact we can make when we come together to support women’s heart health,” said Jill Griffiths, Region Senior Vice President, Development & Community Health, North Texas.

45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of heart disease. It is also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., with pregnancy-related deaths on the rise. However, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, including Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red initiative has made significant strides in Dallas and beyond, improving women’s heart health and prevention efforts. Local achievements include increased summer meal access for children, new healthy food access points, and CPR training for over 1 million Texas residents. Nearly 3 million participants joined the Kids Heart Challenge, spreading heart-healthy messages, and 100 students from underserved communities explored STEM careers through the Dallas Go Red for Women campaign.

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps for women. Celebrating over 20 years of impact, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health. This year, Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health | Aetna, with local support from CMC, Texas Health and Kimberly-Clark.

During the luncheon, the Association awarded Barclay Berdan, CEO of Texas Health Resources, with the 2025 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award for his legendary impact. Barclay has served the Association for 25 years, volunteering on the Tarrant County Board of Directors for six years, including three years as board chairperson and Heart Walk chairperson. His leadership inspired a cause marketing sponsorship, significantly boosting community engagement.

Planning for the 2026 luncheon March 6th at the Dallas Fairmont Hotel is already underway, with early supporters including CMC, Deloitte, Encompass Health, Forvis Mazars, Haynes Boone, and Kimberly-Clark. Sandi Karrmann, Chief People Officer for Kimberly-Clark, will chair the upcoming campaign and 2026 event. For more information or to connect with the Dallas Go Red for Women team, contact Meghan Dours at Meghan.Dours@heart.org.

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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.   