ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks across the nation, including Orlando, went red in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. The movement is the Heart Association’s signature initiative that focuses on raising awareness of heart disease in women, their No. 1 health threat.

Locally, the Go Red for Women annual luncheon, sponsored by Orlando Health, was held on Wear Red Day at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. A sold-out ballroom welcomed guests for an impactful event featuring inspiring survivor stories, informative programming and a community expo. The event raised nearly $40,000 in the first week of February, which is also American Heart Month.

“Serving as chairperson of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women has been a deeply meaningful year, allowing me to champion heart health for women at every stage of life,” says Anjali Vyas M.D., president of Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and senior vice president of Orlando Health. “As president of a women’s hospital and a practicing primary care physician, this mission is personal to me. Every day I see how awareness, prevention, and early action can save lives and strengthen families.”

National Wear Red Day, annually falling on the first Friday of February, serves as a striking visual reminder of the imperative need for women to prioritize cardiovascular health. By combining this annual icon day, National Wear Red Day, with the annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, the American Heart Association provided the Orlando community the opportunity to go beyond just symbolic support; it gave attendees the ability to directly contribute to women’s cardiovascular health education and research.

“The Go Red for Women movement is vital because it empowers women to understand their risk, take charge of their heart health, and advocate for themselves in moments that matter,” said Heather Maloney, executive director, American Heart Association, Orlando. “Hosting Go Red for Women on National Wear Red Day was profoundly meaningful. When our community showed up in red, it wasn’t just a symbol; it was a signal. Red means go: go raise awareness; go champion women’s heart health; go fight for the lives of the women we love.”

Heart disease and stroke can happen at any age, and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite these statistics, many women are still unaware of their risk, consequently contributing to a reality that continues to delay diagnoses and improvements in treatment for women. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement exists to shift this reality by bringing together communities to educate and advocate for advancement in women’s heart health research.

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 nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Advent Health, Orlando Health, HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida Blue, Massey, and more.

For more information about the Orlando Go Red for Women movement, contact Victoria Butler, Victoria.Butler@heart.org, or visit www.goredforwomen.org.

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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: 214-706-1173

Emory Parkins: Emory.Parkins@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org