Anna Szafranski to chair the American Heart Association’s Twin Cities 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative
MINNEAPOLIS, Mn – Dec. 16, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women [1] in the Twin Cities and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Anna Szafranski, Vice President of Product and Commercial Value Streams, Cardiac Ablation Solutions at Medtronic, who is serving as the 2026 chair for the Twin Cities Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Szafranski. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go—for our hearts, our futures, and every woman who matters to us. Working in cardiovascular technology at Medtronic, I see firsthand how innovation can save lives, but prevention starts with awareness and action.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk [2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Anna’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in the Twin Cities,” said Krista Moffett, executive director, American Heart Association – Minnesota.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on February 12, 2026, at the 2026 Twin Cities Go Red for Women Evening of Empowerment to take place at Quincy Hall in Northeast Minneapolis. Now in its 22nd year, the event will feature inspiring survivor stories, an interactive pop-up experience, and curated bites.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Twin Cities Go Red for Women Evening of Empowerment is locally sponsored by Medtronic. For more information, contact Kaitlin Brock at [email protected] or visit Heart.org/MinnesotaGoRed
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries:
Olivia LaVoy: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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