SEATTLE, Jan. 12, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks nationwide will “go red” to raise awareness of this top health threat. 

In the Puget Sound, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging colleagues, friends, families and local landmarks to join together by wearing red and spreading awareness. Here are some ways to participate in National Wear Red Day:

  • Wear red: add a pop of red to your outfit for a fun and easy way to get involved. Share your red photos on social media using #WearRedDay and #goREDwa.
  • Light your building in red: Join local landmarks including the Allen Institute, SR 520 Bridge, and the Columbia Center in changing exterior lighting to red to commemorate the Go Red for Women movement.
  • Go red at work: encourage employees to wear red, host a desk-decorating challenge, use downloadable Wear Red Day virtual meeting backgrounds, plan walking meetings or offer healthy red snacks in the breakroom.
  • Go red at home: snap a family photo in red and share it to elevate awareness. Pets can participate, too!
  • Join Research Goes Red: help ensure more women are represented in scientific discovery. Learn more and join at GoRedforWomen.org/research.

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] To help illustrate the real-world impact of CVD and how it can happen at any age, five local volunteers are sharing their personal stories of heart disease and stroke as 2026 Washington Go Red for Women Ambassadors. Serving alongside these volunteers is Florence Chang, 2026 Puget Sound Go Red for Women chair and president of MultiCare Health System, who urges women to take action. 

“National Wear Red Day is a reminder for women to care for themselves as intentionally as they care for others,” said Chang. “Heart disease and stroke impact women at every stage of life. Go Red for Women shares stories, amplifies voices and builds community. By learning, advocating and supporting one another, we can put heart health first and create a healthier future for women everywhere.”

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by MultiCare Health System, T-Mobile and Cambia Health Foundation, is offering resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org. Learn more about National Wear Red Day and find resources to participate at WearRedDay.org. 

Additional Resources:

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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

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:

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org