Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. 1 Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in metro Atlanta, Julia Houston, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Equifax will serve as the 2024-2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in metro Atlanta. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women.
CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. 2 According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.
“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because heart health is deeply personal to me—it affects so many women in our community, including the ones we love,” said Houston. “As women, we often put everyone else first, but it’s so important to remember that our own health matters, too. Go Red for Women is about encouraging us to prioritize our heart health while supporting and empowering each other. Together, we can raise awareness, share knowledge, and take action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health. It’s a mission I’m proud to lead, and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of so many.”
The 2024-25 Atlanta Go Red for Women Campaign focuses on meeting the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions. Driven by the strength of community support, the Association has successfully expanded postpartum Medicaid benefits in Georgia, launched farm fresh markets to
combat nutrition insecurity, and enacted smoke-free ordinances in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia. Additionally, initiatives like distributing health resources to new moms and inspiring high school girls to pursue STEM careers are driving equity and transforming women’s health across metro Atlanta.
“We are incredibly grateful for Julia and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Carla Smith, Metro Atlanta American Heart Association region senior vice president and executive director. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Thursday, May 22 during the Atlanta Go Red for Women luncheon at the JW Marriott in Buckhead.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Atlanta Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by Atlanta Braves, Cox Enterprises, Encompass, Northside Hospital, PwC, Wellstar Health System, Southern Company,