2026 Goals
• Funding lifesaving, local research with past research funds granted to MaineHealth Institute for Research, Maine Medical Center, Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, University of Maine-Orono and more.
• Inspiring women to take charge of their heart health through the Maine Goes Red statewide awareness campaign which includes an annual Survivor Search to reach new volunteers.
• Working with Channel 8 WMTW on a monthly “Heart Health 8” series on the 8th of each month featuring local heart disease and stroke survivors, medical experts and wellness professionals to help inspire viewers to live healthier.
• Improving employee health through workplace wellness programs and Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and practice.
• Teaming up with Maine schools to help kids learn heart-healthy habits and raise funds through the Kids Heart Challenge.
• Providing science-based treatment guidelines to health care professionals to improve care.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
National Wear Red Day – Feb. 6, 2026
A simple, one-day fundraiser to increase awareness of heart disease in women while raising funds for research and education. The Association provides all materials for your office.
Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon – March 19, 2026
Chair: Denise McDonough, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
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, a silent auction, and the presentation of two Crystal Heart awards.
Maine Heart Walk – May 17, 2026
Join thousands of passionate people touched by heart disease and stroke during the Heart Walk celebration. Help fund lifesaving research as we honor heart disease and stroke survivors in our community. Learn more about cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, inactivity, smoking and high blood pressure.
Go Red for Women® Purse-Onality – September 2026
The 10th annual fundraising event will feature a silent auction of themed purses filled with items reflecting donors’ personalities such as work, hobbies or family interests. Hear from special guest speakers, including local medical experts and a heart disease survivor, to learn more about women’s heart health.
Giving Opportunities
• Sponsor the 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 “Women of Impact” groups to help combat cardiovascular disease.
• Form a Heart Walk team at your company or with family/friends.
• 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
• Are you a passionate changemaker? Help us advance health and hope, one policy at a time. Join Heart Powered – our movement to change the future of health – and advocate for policies that support longer, healthier lives for all. FMI: www.HeartPowered.org.
• Become an Association volunteer media expert. Heart disease and stroke survivors are vital to help educate others about the warning signs and symptoms. Health professionals can give a clinical perspective to the Association’s work regarding nutrition, fitness, cholesterol and blood pressure management, tobacco use cessation, and other ways to lower risk. Media training is provided.
• Join our Maine Board of Directors.