PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for women in western Pennsylvania and across the nation. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, is encouraging women to make their heart health a priority.  

Leading this effort locally is Jaime Cerilli, PhD, MPM, associate vice chancellor for strategic space planning and management for Health Sciences and director of strategic space planning for the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Cerilli will serve as the 2026 chair of Pittsburgh’s Go Red for Women® movement, advocating for women’s heart and brain health while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in women.

“I’m honored to serve as chair for the Pittsburgh Go Red for Women movement,” said Cerilli. “As women, our days are packed and life rarely slows down, but our health deserves attention now, not later. Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us. Together, we’ll raise awareness and support lifesaving work in women’s heart health.”

CVD does not discriminate and it is not a one-size-fits-all issue. Despite the threat, less than half of women are aware of their risk. Heart disease and stroke unfairly target women, yet women have been historically left out of research, testing, treatment and funding.  

“Jaime’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Pittsburgh,” said Dr. Brenda Mendizabal, director of preventive cardiology at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and board president of the American Heart Association of Greater Pittsburgh. “She is the perfect leader to spearhead this lifesaving movement and harness the power of community to improve health outcomes for all women across the greater Pittsburgh region.”

To learn more about the Go Red for Women campaign in Pittsburgh, contact Karly Keating at Karly.keating@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/PghGoesRed.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, GBU Life and University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences.    

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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: 412.208.3556

Karen Colbert: karen.colbert@heart.org  

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

heart.org and stroke.org