Go Red for Women Held at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Minnesota Chapter of the American Heart Association held their signature event of the year at the DECC Wednesday.

Go Red for Women is a fundraiser for the chapter, but also a chance for survivors of heart disease, as well as their supporters, to gather and raise awareness about the number one killer in the United States.

“Unfortunately, heart disease is on the rise among younger women,” says Briana Johnson, Development Director for the American Heart Association in northern Minnesota, “and so it’s unfortunate that our youngest, most diverse women are less aware of their risk.  So we really want to raise awareness today that heart disease can happen to anybody, and that everybody has the opportunity to take care of their hearts and live longer healthier lives.”

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found than the risk of dying from heart disease rose by more than 4-percent in 2020.  The American Heart Association says this risk likely rose due to people not continuing routine medical care during the pandemic, as well as ending healthy habits.

This event is the first one they have held indoors in over two years.  The organization has kept their support network going during the pandemic virtually.  Johnson says being able to come back together in-person is a welcomed sight.  “There’s nothing the same as being in a ballroom together and shaking hands and hugging and seeing people smiles.  It really strengthens that bond and that support network that people have.”

The chapter did have their annual Heart Walk last September, their first in-person event since the start of the pandemic.