(AKRON) Feb. 17, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women [1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is changing women’s health through the Go Red for Women® movement. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed awareness and clinical care gaps of a woman’s greatest health threat.
The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but your heart health can’t wait. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go!
The Akron/Canton Go Red for Women event empowered approximately 250 Ohioans to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised more than $340,000 and counting to continue better identifying, diagnosing, treating and preventing CVD in women.
“What motivates me is simple: I want to help save lives, especially the lives of women who might not know they’re at risk. Leading Go Red for Women this year gave me the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself and to use my voice to create awareness that can truly make a difference,” said Molly Marhofer, chairwoman of the 2026 Akron/Canton Go Red for Women movement and community outreach director at Ron Marhofer Auto Family. “I’m looking forward to the conversations we’ll spark, the lives we’ll touch, and the community we will build together. There is such power when women support women—and this campaign is a perfect example of that.”
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. [2] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk. [3] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander. [4]
Go Red for Women is meeting the health and wellness needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible health solutions. Go Red for Women is also focused on supporting women-centric research and committed to closing gaps in care and support.
Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women are taking action to live longer and healthier. Red Means Go.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Akron/Canton Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by Ron Marhofer Auto Family, the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation and the Cleveland Clinic. For more information contact Jennifer Kulics at [email protected] or visit heart.org/neohgored.
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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:
Chelsea Caldwell: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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