State House Goes Red For Women

Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord, first from left, second row) poses with her fellow legislators in support of Go Red For Women February 2nd at the Massachusetts State House. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s campaign to raise awareness among women about heart disease, which kills one woman a minute. In fact, heart disease kills more women than the next five leading causes of death combined—including all forms of cancer. In addition, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the U.S., including stroke, averages $475.3 billion annually.

The event featured remarks by Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop), Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) and Representative Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge), co-chairs of the Caucus of Women Legislators, American Heart Association volunteer, Dr. Roberta Herman, and heart survivor, Marylou Depeiza. “Heart disease is a serious problem,” said Representative Atkins. “Through this event, we have shown our solidarity in the fight against the leading cause of death among the women of the Commonwealth.”

About Go Red For Women

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women over the age of 20, claiming the lives of over 460,000 women each year – about one per minute.  That’s more lives than the next four causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. More than two-thirds of women are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 health threat. 

The Go Red For Women State House proclamation is part of a series of events to kick off American Heart Month and raise awareness around women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red For Women, please visit americanheart.org or GoRedForWomen.org.  The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.  Go Red TM of AHA, Red Dress TM of DHHS.

About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.  To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health.  To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

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