OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 13, 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 across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness of women’s No. 1 killer.

In the Bay Area, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, encourages everyone to join in the Go Red for Women movement. Here are some ways to participate:

  • Wear red and share why: Wear red for the day, and take a selfie or group photo with family, friends or colleagues. Share why you support the cause on social media and tag us on @ahanorthernca on Instagram and Facebook.
  • Light your building in red: Join buildings across the Bay Area, from the tower at San Jose City Hall to the American Heart Association’s headquarters in downtown Oakland, to commemorate the Go Red movement.
  • Learn about local Go Red Events: Connect with our Bay Area team to get involved with our Go Red for Women Luncheon, STEM Goes Red and Woman and Teen of Impact programs.

Heart disease and stroke can happen at any age and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] On National Wear Red Day, the Heart Association urges everyone to join the Go Red for Women® movement in championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red and spreading awareness. You can join the conversation online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #GoRedforWomen.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, is asking women to make bold moves today for a healthier tomorrow:

  • Know your numbers: Maintaining good blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol and body mass index can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • Join Research Goes Red to help ensure more women are represented and counted when it comes to scientific discovery: Women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research.
  • Learn Hands-Only CPR and be equipped with the knowledge to save a life: women are less likely to receive bystander CPR.

“National Wear Red Day is about more than kicking off American Heart Month, it’s about everyone coming together to support the health and well-being of our mothers, daughters, sisters and the people who love them,” said Nicole Rosendale, M.D., board president of the American Heart Association Bay Area Division and associate professor of neurology, University of California, San Francisco. “This is a great example of people across the country, not just here in the Bay Area, banding together to unite for women’s health. And the health of our communities.”

Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org. Go Red for Women is locally sponsored by Chevron, Cisco and UCSF Health. For more information about the Bay Area Go Red for Women movement, contact Katherine Duarte at Katherine.duarte@heart.org or visit https://www.heart.org/goredbayarea.

Additional Resources:

###

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 of 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: 

Nerissa Pacio Itchon, nerissa.itchon@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org