Red isn’t just for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. On Friday, May 10, Columbia is going red for heart disease awareness at the 2019 Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women (GRFW) is a campaign started by the American Heart Association to raise awareness for the #1 threat to women’s health: heart disease. GRFW allows women a platform to discuss healthier choices, advocate for healthcare + increase women’s roles in STEM health professions.

As a woman-owned local company, Nephron Pharmaceuticals has supported the Midlands’ campaign since 2016, helping raise $900,000 for the cause locally. This year’s luncheon is co-chaired by Xanna Bailey, stroke survivor + Director of Recruiting at Nephron.

Here are some important stats:

80: heart disease claims the life of a woman every 80 seconds
40%: percentage of deaths by heart disease in the U.S. (the #1 killer; more than all forms of cancer combined)
80%: percentage of cardiovascular diseases that are preventable
91%: national percentage of women engaged in Go Red who have made healthy lifestyle changes since the movement began
33%+: percentage of patients in the Midlands who have been treated with the “Get with the Guidelines” program at participating hospitals, aimed to improve stroke care
100%: percentage of seniors in every public school system in N.C. + S.C. who are now required to be trained in CPR before graduation (22,000+ students each year)
Thousands: the number of Midlands residents who have attended the annual luncheon over the last 12 years

The 2019 Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place next Friday, May 10 at the USC Alumni Center (900 Senate St.). It’ll feature an engaging, informational expo + program, plus professional headshots + fun photo booth opportunities. Tickets are $85, or if you want to support the cause but can’t come to the luncheon, you can make a donation.

Don’t forget to wear red. 💃 Ⓟ