By Ashleigh Fields
AFRO Assistant Editor
afields@afro.com
On National Go Red Day, Feb. 2, Links from D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) will host a virtual “Red Dress” event in hopes of raising awareness about heart conditions.
Symone Sanders, Michelle Miller, Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and many more have been handpicked to join a broader public health effort facilitated by 15 local Links chapters. The national service organization for Black women partners with the American Heart Association’s RAISE AWARENESS campaign on an annual basis to encourage people to wear red and donate at WearRedDay.org, benefiting women’s health initiatives.
“As part of our heart and human services facet, The Links, a deep commitment to promoting heart health, especially given the alarming statistics around heart disease, particularly among women and people of color,” said Suzanne Walker, Arlington, Va. Links chapter president. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and this risk is even higher for African American women.”
The Red Dress event leverages sponsorships from various Links Chapters and corporate partners to support local nonprofits aligned with their mission. Last year the group raised $30,000 in donations which was distributed to organizations like Bright Beginnings, Bowie State University’s Department of Nursing and ACTION in Community Through Service (ACTS).
“Since transitioning to a virtual format in 2021, the Red Dress Event has been successful in attracting a diverse audience. Initially focused on individuals from D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, it now includes participants of color from across the United States and around the world,” said Michelle Bailey, Links Red Dress event chairwoman. “The event’s global reach extends to Canada, the Philippines, the UK, the Caribbean, Africa and more. This diverse audience reflects the universal relevance of heart health and the global appeal of the event’s content and activities.”
The event will feature commentary from expert panelists to include Pamela Garmon Johnson of the American Heart Association, cardiologist Dr. Reginald Robinson and public health expert Kimberly Jeffries. To encourage participation, the Links will provide incentives valued at over $15,000, generously donated by Links members, small businesses and brands. The prizes included a trip to Cabo San Lucas, VIP tickets to the Sherri Show and Wizards tickets.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and this risk is even higher for African American women. By raising awareness, the Links are not only educating their community about the critical importance of heart health but also empowering them to take proactive steps in their heart health journey,” said Bailey. “This aligns with their broader mission of service and advocacy, particularly in the areas of health and wellness.”
Those who are interested can register for the event at dmvlinksreddress2024.eventbrite.com/. If you miss the event, you are able to view the recorded live discussion on Arlington, Va. Links Facebook page and BlackDoctor.org, their streaming partner.
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