ROCHESTER, N.Y., Apr. 1, 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 Rochester, Pamela Heald, president and CEO of Reliant Credit Union, will serve as the 2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in Rochester. 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, Heald will play a critical role in women’s health by leading fundraising and planning efforts for the 2025 Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon.

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.

“Everyone has a heart and needs to take care of it. Several members of my family have dealt with heart disease and stroke. I work with a young woman who had a cardiac arrest at our workplace and it changed me,” said Heald. “As women, we often put others first. 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.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Pamela and her passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Salley Thornton, American Heart Association Rochester volunteer board chair and director of field marketing and events at Toshiba America Business Solutions. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she can made a significant impact on our community.”

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 December 2nd at the 2025 Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by UR Medicine, Reliant Credit Union, Freed Maxick and more. For more information contact Michelle.Marks-Hook@heart.org or visit the event website.

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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, Instagram, 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:

Kristy Smorol, 315.243.5705 or Kristy.Smorol@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org