2021 Goals
- Funding lifesaving research by providing $1.1 million in research grants to Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Portland, Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, and University of Maine-Orono.
- Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Voices for Healthy Kids (an Association initiative) awarded a $36,000 grant to Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care (MCAHC). In collaboration with Maine Access Immigrant Network, MCAHC engages communities of color, new Mainers, and low-income people to address disproportionate barriers in accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- Inspiring women to take charge of their heart health through the Maine Goes Red statewide awareness campaign, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
- Providing STEM Goes Red experiences for female high schoolers to explore STEM careers — possibly in cardiovascular health — as women are underrepresented in those careers.
- Improving employee health through workplace wellness programs and Hands-Only CPR education.
- Teaming up with 165 local schools to combat childhood obesity though the Kids Heart Challenge.
- Providing science-based treatment guidelines to healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon (Digital Experience)- March 30, 2021
Chair: Amanda Rand, President/CEO, Spinnaker Trust
Learn more about the leading cause of death in women – cardiovascular disease – and how you can save more lives. The event will feature inspirational guest speakers, health experts, and the presentation of Crystal Heart awards.
Southern Maine Heart Walk and 5k (Digital Experience) — May 16, 2021
Chair: Mike Simonds, COO, Unum
Joins thousands of passionate people touched by heart disease and stroke for several digital experiences that will culminate on the Heart Walk celebration day. Help us fund lifesaving research as COVID-19 disproportionately affects heart disease and stroke survivors, and those with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking and hypertension.
Giving Opportunities
- Sponsor a Heart Walk or a Go Red for Women® event, donate an auction item, or participate on an event planning committee.
- Join the “Circle of Red” or “Men Go Red” group to help combat cardiovascular disease.
- Give your employees time to participate in a free, online Hands-Only CPR demonstration.
- Conduct a simple, one-day fundraising event on National Wear Red Day.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Become a “You’re the Cure” Advocate to help educate our legislators on our public policy efforts regarding obesity prevention, heart disease and stroke prevention funding, tobacco control, and healthcare reform initiatives. FMI: www.yourethecure.org.
- Become a volunteer expert. Heart disease and stroke survivors, as well as health professionals, are needed to share their experiences and expertise to help educate others. Media training is provided.
- Join our Maine Board of Directors
