St. Louis Heart Health Campaign Names New 2027 Chair
The Go Red for Women initiative works to help St. Louis women identify their unique heart disease risk factors.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Do you prioritize your own heart health despite the demands of your career and family?
Maritz CFO Holly Francois has been named the 2027 chair for the St. Louis Go Red for Women campaign to raise awareness about heart health. The initiative aims to help women in St. Louis address cardiovascular risks, which remain the leading cause of death for women globally.
Why it matters
Cardiovascular disease kills one in three women, yet many remain unaware of their personal risk factors. This campaign seeks to bridge critical gaps in research and healthcare access, encouraging women to prioritize heart health before a crisis occurs.
An American Heart Association survey reports that less than 50% of women are aware of their unique cardiovascular risk factors. While 60% of women are projected to have high blood pressure by 2050, the specific impact of local outreach programs on these trends remains under study.
The players
Holly Francois
Chief financial officer of Maritz who is serving as the 2027 chair for the St. Louis Go Red for Women campaign.
American Heart Association
A national nonprofit organization that funds cardiovascular medical research and educates the public on heart health and stroke prevention.
The details
The Go Red for Women movement functions by providing education on specific cardiovascular risk factors that often differ in women. It addresses long-standing disparities in medical research and healthcare access that frequently lead to underdiagnosis. The program creates spaces for women to engage with health experts and connect with resources that support proactive heart health management.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Holly Francois announced as the 2027 campaign chair.
April 30, 2027: St. Louis Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton St. Louis.
Health Landscape
This effort is part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, which works to improve cardiovascular outcomes for women nationwide. It follows a historical arc of recognizing that women have unique cardiac risk profiles that have been historically overlooked in clinical settings.
Because one in three women die from cardiovascular disease, understanding your specific risk factors is an essential preventive step. Discussing your heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels, with your physician is the most direct way to assess your needs.
The takeaway
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet awareness remains low. You can take control by scheduling a heart health screening with your doctor to identify and manage your unique risk factors.
Further reading
Learn more about local cardiovascular initiatives and preventive care in our Heart Disease section.
More information
Find more details on local advocacy and educational resources at St. Louis Go Red for Women information.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize your own heart health despite the demands of your career and family?
