The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement urges community to join the fight against the No. 1 killer of women
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 3, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people, buildings and landmarks across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness of women’s No. 1 killer. Locally you’ll see the downtown skyline go red with the Highmark Spire, Acrisure Stadium, UPMC and U.S. Steel Tower to name a few.
The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is working to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke can happen at any age and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] February is American Heart Month and on National Wear Red Day, the Heart Association urges everyone to join the Go Red for Women® movement in championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red and spreading awareness.
“National Wear Red Day is about all of us coming together to support the health and well-being of our mothers, daughters, sisters and everyone who loves them,” said Jaime Cerilli, PhD, Pittsburgh’s Go Red for Women volunteer chair and associate vice chancellor for strategic space planning and management at the University of Pittsburgh. “It’s a powerful reminder that people across the country, and right here in Pittsburgh, are united in the fight for women’s heart health and the health of our communities.”
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is asking women to make bold moves today for a healthier tomorrow:
Know your numbers: Maintaining good blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol and body mass index can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Join Research Goes Red to help ensure more women are represented and counted when it comes to scientific discovery: Women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research
Learn Hands-Only CPR and be equipped with the knowledge to save a life: women are less likely to receive bystander CPR.
Why Go Red?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women.
Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S.
Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR and less likely to survive an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
Only 38% of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants were women as of 2020.
Show us how you Go Red!
We invite businesses, community organizations and everyone to wear RED and join the conversation online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #PghGoesRed and #GoRedforWomen.
Wear RED, paint your nails red, rock red lipstick, slip on a red tie, decorate your office, home or favorite space red.
Snap a selfie or group photo and share it (and feel free to tag @GoRedforWomen and @AHAPennsylvania) using hashtags #WearRedDay and #PghGoesRED
Share one quick CPR fact or resource during your team meeting. Women and CPR | Go Red for Women
Find more ways to engage and 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 GBULife, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences, UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
For more information about the Pittsburgh Go Red for Women movement, contact Karly Keating at 412.208.3552 / karly.keating@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/PghGoesRed.
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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: 412.208.3556
Karen Colbert; karen.colbert@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org