PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 18, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is the number one cause of death for women[1] in Oregon, southwest Washington, and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Brooke Baldwin, D.N.P., RN, CENP, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive at OHSU, and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs in the OHSU School of Nursing. Dr. Baldwin is serving as the Association’s 2026 chair for Oregon and southwest Washington’s Go Red for Women® movement. This effort empowers women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down. Still, women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Dr. Baldwin. “My own family history is a constant reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly heart disease can affect the lives of women and their families. Go Red for Women is a call to action, for our hearts, our futures, and every woman who matters to us.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
Life moves fast. Careers, calendars and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option. In Oregon and southwest Washington, the Association is reaching more women with lifesaving information about their greatest health threat and empowering them to act. Through education and awareness, women in Oregon and southwest Washington are learning how to lower their risk and protect their health. The local team also connects with local partners to improve access to care and essential resources for women and their families, including access to nutritional food and hypertension resources. In addition, the Association continues to raise critical research funds that center on women’s heart and brain health, ensuring that scientific advancements reflect the unique needs of women.
“There is one source of support women can count on: each other. Dr. Baldwin’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Oregon and southwest Washington,” said Meredith Collett, American Heart Association executive director for Oregon and southwest Washington.
The 2026 campaign culminates in September 2026 with a Go Red for Women celebration. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Oregon and southwest Washington Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by Cambia Health Foundation and OHSU Health. For more information, contact Becca Pilipchuk at [email protected] or visit heart.org/Oregon.
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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:
Jay Wintermeyer: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
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