Go Red for Women Event to Address Health Inequities

Photo courtesy of American Heart Association

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit focused on heart and brain health for all, is hosting its first-ever digital Twin Cities Go Red for Women “Evening of Empowerment” on Thursday, February 11 at 4:30 p.m.

The event is co-chaired by Courtney Jordan Baechler, M.D., of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and Tiffanie L. Boyd, of McDonalds.

Photo Courtesy of American Heart Assocation

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. Launched in 2004 to close the awareness gap about the women’s leading cause of death, Go Red quickly expanded into a global movement dedicated to removing the barriers women face to achieving good health and well-being.

According to World Health Organization data, people living in underserved communities have a higher risk of developing heart disease. For decades, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease and stroke has been higher among African Americans than all other ethnicities. Hispanics and Blacks are also more likely to live with diabetes, compared to non-Hispanic whites.

“This is personal to me,” said Boyd. “I’ve lost women I love to stroke. And I see too many Black women impacted by heart disease and stroke. Groups led by women who look like them and have shared experiences can identify local solutions and motivate community members to make needed changes.”

Photo Courtesy of American Heart Association

“Minnesota is one of the healthiest states, but we have some of the worst health disparities,” said Jordan Baechler. “Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic challenges contributed to these disparities. Lack of access to quality health care, jobs, education, and housing appear to be exacerbating the devastating effects of COVID-19.”

Be Part of History

During the event on February 11, the association will announce the top candidates for the Minnesota EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™. Presented by Mayo Clinic and Cheerios, the program encourages business solutions that improve the long-term health of Minnesota women by changing behaviors and expanding access. At the close of the event, attendees will vote for their “fan favorite.” The winner will receive a $2,500 grant, along with the chance to earn a larger grant following their official pitch.

You are invited to the Twin Cities Go Red for Women “Evening of Empowerment”. Reserve your spot today at www.heart.org/twincitiesgoredevents. Individual registration is free.