Louisville, KY, January 21, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Louisville 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 Nicole Yates, chief government affairs and external relations officer of Physician Care Coordination Consultants (PC3 Health), who is serving as the 2025 chair for Kentuckiana Go Red for Women® movement, empowering 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 healthier lives.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Yates. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, 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.
During key life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause, women may experience unique events that can increase their risk for heart disease and stroke across their life course. In Kentuckiana, we’re raising awareness and education through survivor storytelling, advocating for policy and systems change that support all women, and collaborating with other experts in the space to strengthen clinical care for pregnant women.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Nicole’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Kentuckiana,” said Laura Kelley, Development Director, Kentuckiana American Heart Association.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on June 10th, 2026, at the Kentuckiana Go Red for Women Luncheon & Pop-Up Lounge to take place at the Muhammad Ali Center (144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202). Now in its 22nd year, the event will feature new survivor stories, a new pop-up lounge experience for guests and the much-anticipated “Survivor Fashion Show.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Kentuckiana Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by the University of Louisville and UofL Health. For more information, visit www.heart.org/kentuckianagored.
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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:
Name: Leah Rafferty; leah.rafferty@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
