PORTLAND, Oregon, April 23 — Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1killer of women.[1] Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in Oregon and southwest Washington, Jessica Getman of Brown & Brown will serve as the 2025 volunteer chairperson of Go Red for Women. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Getman will play a critical role in women’s health by leading Portland and Vancouver’s Go Red for Women initiative.

Jessica Getman is the President at Brown & Brown. She leads offices in Portland, Bend and Medford, Oregon and Vancouver, Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. She was honored as one of Portland Business Journal’s 2015 Forty Under 40 honorees, one of Business Insurance’s Women to Watch in 2018 and one of Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2020 and Executives of the Year in 2023. Jessica is also an alumna of Portland Business Alliance’s Leadership Portland Class of 2014-2015.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because it targets the number one health crisis woman face. Cardiovascular disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including loved ones in my own family,” said Getman. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education, and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.^[2] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

“We are incredibly grateful for Jessica and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Derenda Schubert, American Heart Association Oregon and southwest Washington volunteer board chairperson and Bridge Meadows executive director. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on September 18 at the Portland Go Red for Women luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Oregon and southwest Washington Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by Brown & Brown, Cambia Health Foundation, OnPoint Credit Community Union, The Partners Group, Providence Health Plan and Consolidated Supply. For more information contact Kristen.Paul@heart.org or call 503-820-5300.  

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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: 

Jay Wintermeyer: jay.wintermeyer@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1]  Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)