(BPRW) DMV Links Chapters Kick Off Heart Health Month on National Wear Red Day
18th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Spotlights Women’s Heart Health
(Black PR Wire) Washington, DC – The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, along with 14 other Links chapters across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV), will launch the 18th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Live on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 6, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on Facebook Live and YouTube. The annual life-saving initiative focuses on women’s heart health and is presented in partnership with the American Heart Association.
The program centers a conversation on heart health and women’s health, examining the connection between menopause, perimenopause, and maternal health to heart disease, the leading cause of death among women. The discussion explores how hormonal transitions and pregnancy-related conditions can signal long-term cardiovascular risk, particularly for Black women, who continue to experience higher rates of heart disease and later diagnosis.
This year’s theme, “Ladies First,” emphasizes prioritizing women’s health across every stage of life, from pregnancy and postpartum through perimenopause and menopause.
“Red Dress is about saving lives,” said Tameka Tunsil, president of the Arlington (VA) Link Chapter. “Connecting women’s health and heart disease helps women take action sooner.”
The program will be hosted by NBC4 Emmy-award winning journalist Jummy Olabanji and moderated by Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, political strategist, author, and co-host of The Weeknight on MSNBC’s MS NOW. Speakers and panelists include mental health expert Dr. Lisa Loury Lomas, Eastern Area Director of The Links, Incorporated; Reston Hospital Center’s cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. William A. Cooper; U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware; and Michelle Ghee, women’s advocate and PlayersTV CEO. The panel discussion will feature MedStar cardiologist Dr. Reginald Robinson, 2024 National American Heart Association Physician of the Year; obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Lynne Lightfoote, The Washington Wellness Group; health advocate, influencer and heart disease survivor ShantaQ; and sociologist, naturopath and author Dr. Andrea Sullivan.
Michelle M. Bailey, chairwoman of DMV Links Red Dress, said the program connects women’s health realities to prevention and early action. “Understanding how these stages link to heart disease can save lives,” Bailey said.
“Women’s health is too often discussed in silos,” said Lavern Chatman, Red Dress co-chair. “Friday Night brings the full picture together.”
Red Dress is supported by generous sponsors including digital streaming partner BlackDoctor.org, DHJ Services, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia: The Chatman Fund, and Business Management Associates (BMA); produced by ETAT Productions; and presented in partnership with the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment (OCTFME). Patrons include The McCuiston Group, The Washington Wellness Group, and Walter and Tammie Smiley.
Giveaways throughout the evening will include VIP tickets to The Sherri Shepherd Show, Washington Commanders tickets, resort stays, HBCU Honors taping tickets, and more.
DMV Links Host Chapters: Arlington (VA) – Chair Chapter, Capital City (DC), Cherry Blossom (DC), Columbia (MD), Greater Rappahannock (VA), Loudoun County (VA), Metropolitan (DC), Mount Rose (MD), Old Dominion (VA), Patuxent River (MD), Potomac (VA), Reston (VA), Silver Spring (MD), Southern Maryland Chain (MD), and Washington (DC).
The event is free and open to the public. RSVP: dmvlinksreddress26.eventbrite.com. More information is available at dmvlinksreddress.org.
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