To kick off February as American Heart Month, five Twin Cities women are joining the American Heart Association to fight their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the Woman of Impact initiative. Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact nominees will raise funds from February 2 to April 4 that will support research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent CVD in women.
Women experience unique life stages that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. In fact, CVD is the number one killer of new moms as the leading case of maternal mortality.[1] The good news is, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education which is the foundation of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, so it’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same, “said Jaimie Mattson, 2024 Go Red for Women Chair. “Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[2]. I am here to encourage women to raise their voices and make sure all Minnesota women know how to take steps now to protect our hearts later.”
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, will launch in more than 100 cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Twin Cities American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
The 2024 Minnesota Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Jasmine Brett Stringer: CEO and Founder at Carpe Diem with Jasmine
- Sarah Burkitt: Teacher at Beth El Synagogue: Aleph Preschool
- Lisa Matre: People / Finance / Operations Leader
- Jen Thorson: Nonprofit Executive (that’s me!)
- Laura Skadsberg: Senior Director, Cardiac Surgery Quality at Medtronic
In April, one nominee will be named the 2024 Minnesota Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.
“By using their influence, their local networks, and their unique lived experiences, these volunteers can make a measurable difference in Minnesota, and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Krista Moffett, Twin Cities Executive Director. “Cardiovascular disease remains a top killer amongst women, and Woman of Impact truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women.
Learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Minnesota.
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