The American Heart Association is calling on women across Northwest Louisiana to take charge of their heart health during the annual Go Red for Women Experience on Thursday, June 11, at the Shreveport Convention Center.
The event aims to educate, engage and empower women while raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death among women.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45 percent of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women also face unique health challenges throughout their lives, including pregnancy and menopause, which can increase the risk of developing heart disease.
The Go Red for Women movement was created to address gaps in awareness, research, education and clinical care while encouraging women to prioritize their heart health and well-being.
The Northwest Louisiana Go Red for Women Experience will feature educational programming, inspiring survivor stories and opportunities for attendees to learn practical steps to improve their cardiovascular health. The event also serves as a fundraiser supporting research, education, advocacy and community outreach initiatives aimed at combating heart disease and stroke.
Fernanda Hernandez, morning news anchor for KTAL, will serve as emcee for the event.
Featured speakers will include Dr. Karen Stokes of The Center for Cardiovascular Disease and Sciences, Development Director Sumer Cooner and Executive Director Nicole Jackson.
Attendees will also hear personal stories from featured survivors Hannah Reeder, Debra Roberson and Mike Gallagher, who will share their experiences with heart disease and recovery.
The event will take place at 11 a.m. at the Shreveport Convention Center, located at 400 Caddo Street in downtown Shreveport.
Since its launch in 2004, Go Red for Women has become a national movement dedicated to improving women’s heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease. As the initiative enters its next chapter, organizers hope to inspire women throughout the region to become advocates for their own health and the health of those around them.
The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally presented by The Center for Cardiovascular Disease and Sciences.
For more information about the Northwest Louisiana Go Red for Women Experience, visit heart.org/nwlagored.