The American Heart Association Hosts Another Successful Go Red For Women Event In Sioux Falls

Liston-Holtrop and the physicians of Dakota Vascular in Sioux Falls

Some 450 people, including MED's own Steffranie Liston-Holtrop and healthcare providers from around the region, dressed in red for the annual Sioux Falls’s Go Red for Women event on Friday, February 5th. The event honors survivors and celebrates advancements in heart health. Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women in the US. 

One hundred years after its founding, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, looks to its premier women’s movement, Go Red for Women®, to help usher in a second century of pioneering progress towards health equity for women.

“I chose to support this campaign to celebrate the progress we’ve made over the years, but more importantly, to inspire the Sioux Falls community to demand more,” said Tiffany Mutchler, Sioux Falls Go Red for Women co-chair and marketing manager for Voyage Federal Credit Union.  

“But we can’t do it alone,” she continued. “It’s time to make bold moves and support innovative solutions for women’s cardiovascular health. Go Red for your mother, your daughter, your friends, and yourself. Because when we come together, we can motivate, educate, support and help save each other.”  

Liston-Holtrop and Dr. Sherrie Brooks of Avera Heart Hospital

On Friday night, the Sioux Falls Go Red for Women Event guests gathered at the heart-healthy event to raise funds to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat, cardiovascular disease).  

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates 20 years of making an impact, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.  

“Whether it’s learning CPR, joining Research Goes Red, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community,” said Maddie Peschong, Sioux Falls Go Red for Women co-chair and owner of Maddie Peschong Photography.  

Sanford Heart physicians (l to r) Dr. Tom Stys, Dr. Theresa Stamato, Dr. Maria Stys, Dr. David Maziarz, Dr. Ken Ung, Dr. Richard Clark, Dr. Adam Stys, Dr. Marian Petrasko

“Go Red for Women is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives,” she continued. “And by coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact.” 

As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. In fact, it’s the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[1] Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[2] That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same. 

MED is a sponsor of the Sioux Falls Go Red for Women event.