Delaware's Heart Health Champion: Ashley Foster Leads Go Red for Women Campaign

Jan 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM

In Newark, Delaware, the American Heart Association (AHA) has appointed Ashley Addison Foster as the volunteer chair of the Go Red for Women campaign for 2024-2025. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and promote better cardiovascular health among women in Delaware. With nearly half of all women aged 20 and older affected by some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this campaign is crucial in addressing the leading cause of death among women. Foster, a senior vice president and chief people officer at Beebe Healthcare, brings her passion for improving women's heart health to lead this significant movement. The AHA, now entering its second century of lifesaving work, continues to emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes and education in preventing CVD, which claims more lives than all cancers combined.

Ashley Foster’s leadership role in the Go Red for Women campaign highlights the ongoing battle against cardiovascular disease. As women undergo various life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, their risk factors for CVD change. Foster recognizes that these unique phases can significantly impact heart health. Her commitment to this cause stems from the belief that 80% of cardiac events are preventable through informed lifestyle choices. She envisions a future where every woman has the resources and opportunities to maintain a healthy heart. Through community engagement and partnerships, the campaign will focus on raising awareness about the specific cardiovascular risks women face, promoting equitable access to care, and supporting vital research. Foster’s dedication to empowering women with knowledge and encouraging them to take charge of their heart health is pivotal in achieving these goals.

The Delaware Go Red for Women campaign will also address systemic issues surrounding women's cardiovascular health. By fostering collaborations with healthcare providers and community organizations, the campaign aims to create a supportive environment for women to make heart-healthy decisions. Educational initiatives will play a key role in equipping women with the tools they need to manage their heart health effectively. Foster emphasizes the importance of advocacy for increased research and health equity, ensuring that all women have access to the necessary resources. Her leadership will undoubtedly inspire others to join this movement, making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of women across Delaware.

Foster’s appointment comes at a critical time when the need for heart health awareness is paramount. Jim Murphy, executive director of the American Heart Association in Delaware, commends Foster for her unwavering dedication and passion for the Go Red for Women movement. He believes her leadership will significantly contribute to the organization's mission of saving and improving lives. The campaign will culminate in the Delaware Go Red for Women Luncheon on April 11, celebrating the achievements and progress made in women's heart health. Through her role, Foster hopes to build on the legacy of this powerful movement and continue to drive positive change in the community. Together, they aim to create a future where every woman can thrive with a healthier heart.