WS Chronicle

By Avery Thomas, American Heart Association

On Feb. 26, the American Heart Association held the Triad Red Dress Tea to improve awareness, educate and empower Black women to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. More than 250 women from 27 Triad congregations gathered in their red Sunday’s best for an afternoon of sisterhood, fun and heart health. 

The event included music by acoustic guitarist Kevin Beck and gospel vocalist April Spears, heart-healthy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, local survivor stories, a keynote speaker and a Hats Off to Our Health Red Hat Promenade. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and locally sponsored by Life is Why Sponsor, Novant Health, and Platform Sponsor, Go-Forth Pest Control.

The 2023 Triad Go Red Women were also announced during the Triad Red Dress Tea. These selected women are local heart disease or stroke survivors who will share their stories throughout the year to help other women fight and prevent heart disease and stroke. 

The 2023 Triad Go Red Women are: 

*Sandra Baskerville, a member of Love and Faith Christian Fellowship and survivor of multiple mini strokes 

*Gale Gaines, a member of St. Phillips AME Zion and a stroke survivor 

*Emily Graham, a member of Bethel AME Church, experienced congestive heart failure which led to a stroke

*Evangelist Velma Hinton, a member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church and a stroke survivor

*Susan Mitchell, a member of Zion Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and a coronary heart disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and two-time stroke survivor 

*Carmen Palmer, a member of Great Commission Community Church and a stroke survivor

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s year-round movement focused on women’s heart health, ensuring sisters, mothers, daughters, friends and neighbors have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more Black women than all forms of cancer, accidents, assaults, and Alzheimer’s disease combined. One out of two Black and Hispanic women have some form of cardiovascular disease. 

Stroke is the third leading cause of death among Black women. Black women are also more likely to die from a stroke or have long-term disabilities if they survive.

High blood pressure was highlighted during the Red Dress Tea program. Often known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure often has no symptoms. It is important to check blood pressure regularly with a goal of 120 over 80. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise can help to reduce high blood pressure. To learn more about reducing your risk for heart disease or stroke, visit www.heart.org/lifes8. 

To learn more about preventing heart disease and stroke or to get involved with Go Red for Women in the Triad, visit TriadGoRed.heart.org.