UHS celebrated National Wear Red on Friday, February 6, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the lobby of the UHS Vestal Salanger Outpatient Center.
National Wear Red Day raises awareness of heart disease in women and encourages action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and work toward eliminating heart disease – the leading cause of death among women.
UHS staff and community members showed up in droves clad in their red apparel Friday morning, showing their support for women affected by heart disease.
The event, held in collaboration with the regional chapter of the American Heart Association, brought attention to the prevalence of heart disease in women and the importance for everyone to take a proactive approach to their heart health.
“A day like today is vital,” said UHS President and CEO John M. Carrigg. “It underscores the importance for everyone – regardless of age, gender or background – to take their heart health seriously, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and be proactive about prevention and detection, which remain our most powerful tools in combatting heart disease.”
Mr. Carrigg also highlighted the comprehensive heart care services offered by UHS, including both interventional and surgical care, advanced cardiac imaging, a cardiac rehabilitation program to help heart patients regain strength and confidence, and the local chapter of Mended Hearts, a support group for cardiac patients.
“At UHS, we offer the largest and most specialized heart care center in Greater Binghamton,” said Mr. Carrigg. “Our cardiology program is the longest standing locally and has been a trusted source of high-quality heart care close to home for decades.” To learn more about heart and vascular services at UHS, click here.
Additional featured speakers at the event included Katharine Luther, a UHS heart patient who shared her personal journey; Kristen Lewis, FNP, of the UHS Heart & Vascular Institute; and Jami Wood, Vice President of Development for the American Heart Association.
The event also emphasized the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can make a life-saving difference in the event of a cardiac emergency.
“One of the themes of this year’s Go Red for Women campaign reminds us that, in a cardiac emergency, you are often the first responder,” said Mr. Carrigg. “You don’t need medical training to learn CPR – anyone can make the life-saving difference by acting before professional help arrives.”
To advance CPR education and expand access to necessary training resources, UHS donated CPR training kits to a number of local school districts and youth sports programs in attendance.
"Wear Red Day," held on the first Friday of each February, encourages people of all ages and walks of life to wear red in support of the women in their lives - including wives, daughters, mothers, sisters and others.
According to research, a woman who "Goes Red" is more likely to:
- Follow an exercise routine
- Eat a healthier diet
- Visit her doctor for important tests
- Influence others by talking about heart health
The Go Red for Women campaign also educates women and their loved ones about the wide range of signs and symptoms that can signal an impending heart attack in a woman. These may include:
- Chest pain, either intense or mild
- Pain in the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw or back
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or nausea
- Unexplained anxiety, weakness or excessive sweating
Looking ahead, UHS will continue to promote heart health in the community at the 2026 Southern Tier Heart Walk on Sunday, April 26. Click here to register and support Team UHS and the American Heart Association.
You can see photos from Friday morning’s event below:
