New Orleans – November 20, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in New Orleans 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 Jessica T. Dantin, the 2026 chair for New Orleans’ Go Red for Women® movement. Dantin 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’m incredibly passionate about advocating for maternal health, especially in Louisiana,” said Dantin. “As Chair of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in New Orleans this year, I am proud to be able to directly support the Mom’s Kit program. This program supports pregnant and postpartum women and infants and children up to five years old. Each kit includes a blood pressure cuff validated for pregnancy, an Infant CPR Anytime kit, a reusable grocery bag and an educational pamphlet including a QR code linking to resources for new mothers.”

“This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing maternal health and supporting families at a critical time. By equipping new mothers with the tools and knowledge to monitor their cardiovascular health, we are helping to lay the foundation for healthier futures,” added Dantin.

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. Jessica’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in our community,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans.

Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the 2026 New Orleans Go Red for Women Experience at the New Orleans Marriott. The event will focus on maternal health and will feature special guest speakers, an exciting silent auction, Live Fierce fashion show, selfie station, lipstick/glitter bar, sip and shop and so much more.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the New Orleans Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by Humana, Entergy, Ochsner Healthcare, Aetna, LCMC, United Healthcare, Peoples Health, and Jones Walker. For more information, contact the New Orleans Go Red team at 504.872.3440 or visit Heart.org/NOLAGoRed.

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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