GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 19, 2025 – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women.[1] To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Dr. Alyson McGregor, associate dean of faculty affairs and development at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, who is serving as the 2025-2026 volunteer chair for the Upstate Go Red for Women® movement. Go Red for Women is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.

“I’m thrilled to take on the role of Go Red for Women chair here in the Upstate,” said McGregor. “Heart disease touches so many of us, and too often women don’t realize they’re at risk. I’m eager to help spread the word, boost awareness, and make it easier for women to take charge of their heart health—because when women know more, we can do more.”

Dr. McGregor will play a critical role in women’s health by leading the Upstate’s volunteer executive leadership team, a group of 15 women representing a wide range of industries and organizations across the community. This team will collectively work to drive fundraising and awareness efforts through local events and initiatives.

Cardiovascular disease (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.

This year’s Upstate Go Red for Women campaign will focus on amplifying awareness and funding for maternal health, mental well-being and women’s health research in the Upstate community. In addition to the annual Upstate Go Red for Women Luncheon, the group will host networking events throughout the year and will soon hold its second annual STEM Goes Red event, inviting over 100 middle school girls to take part in engaging workshops, hands-on education opportunities, and a robust STEM fair. This year’s STEM Goes Red event is locally sponsored by AFL Global.

“We are so excited to welcome Dr. McGregor’s unwavering passion and commitment to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Dr. Julie Smart, American Heart Association Upstate volunteer board chair and associate dean and professor of graduate studies at Anderson University. “She leads by example in her dedication to women’s health, and I know she will continue to make a significant impact on our community through this role.”

Joining Dr. McGregor in a volunteer leadership role is Redhype Creative Marketing Agency founder and president Marie Limnios, who will serve as chair for the movement’s Circle of Red® giving society. As the Go Red for Women Circle of Red chair, Limnios will lead local recruitment and engagement efforts to help drive support of the Association.

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 May 1, 2026, at the 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information contact the Upstate team at ahaupstate@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/upstategored.  

 

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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, on 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:

Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org