WORCESTER, Mass., December 10, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has named Cynthia Barginere, chief operating officer of UMass Memorial Health, as chair of the 2026 Central Massachusetts Go Red for Women movement, which will include the region’s first-ever Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for women in Central Massachusetts and nationwide1, yet less than half of women are aware of its risk2. Go Red for Women aims to close gaps in education, research and access to care, and to empower women to take charge of their health.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down, but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” Barginere said. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go — for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
Life in Central Massachusetts moves quickly, and women often juggle careers, family responsibilities and community commitments. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option. When we say Go Red for Women, we mean Red Means Go — a call for women to take action for their heart and brain health. This year’s campaign will focus on reaching women who face barriers to care and information, empowering them to get educated, get screened and prioritize their well-being as Go Red for Women works to build a healthier future for every woman in the region.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Cynthia’s leadership is helping bring Go Red for Women to Central Massachusetts for the first time,” said Christopher Kostiw, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors in Central Massachusetts and senior vice president and team leader of commercial lending at Berkshire Bank.
The inaugural Central Massachusetts Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Polar Park in Worcester. The event will highlight local women’s heart health, honor survivors and bring the community together to support lifesaving initiatives.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Central Massachusetts Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Boston Scientific, Berkshire Bank, Main Street Bank, Carr Financial and Cornerstone Bank. For more information, contact Sabrina Webb at 351-213-9594 or sabrina.webb@heart.org, or visit heart.org/centralmagored.
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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:
Chris Camire: chris,camire@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
