NORTHEAST OHIO (Feb. 6, 2025) – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. [1] Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in Northeast Ohio, Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D., Interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), will serve as the 2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in Northeast Ohio. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Tromp will play a critical role in women’s health by leading the 2025 Northeast Ohio Go Red for Women experience.

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. [2] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because I saw the need for increased knowledge about cardiovascular health and the role of medications during my time working as a community pharmacist.  Heart disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including those we love,” said Tromp. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

The 2025 Northeast Ohio Go Red for Women Experience will unite women from across Akron, Canton and Youngstown for the first time, bringing together women from across Northeast Ohio to fight their biggest health threat.

“As women, our greatest resource is each other, and when we stand together, we are an unstoppable force,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Tromp and her unwavering passion for the Go Red for Women movement. She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has already made a significant impact on our community.”

Tromp was featured as a panelist at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red for Girls Experience, where she participated in a live question and answer forum inspiring local middle school girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. at the 2025 Northeast Ohio Go Red for Women experience at The NEW Center at NEOMED.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the 2025 Northeast Ohio Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by Silver Sponsors FirstEnergy and the Cleveland Clinic, along with Friend of Heart Sponsors Westfield Bank, Hasenstab Architects and VEC, Inc. Media sponsors include WFMJ and Rubber City Radio Group. For more information contact Andrew Kluge at Andrew.Kluge@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. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. 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:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org