HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – February is American Heart Month. and the American Heart Association is raising awareness and bringing the community together.

The American Heart Association Hampton Roads will host the annual Go Red for Women luncheon on Friday, Feb. 2 at Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr. in Hampton, Va. It will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Executive Director MéShall Simmons spoke to Digital Host Sarah Goode. in a Community Chat at the Digital Desk. Watch the full conversation in the video player on this page.

This year, celebrate 20 years of Go Red as women and men come together to highlight women’s health.

This year’s event will have a focus on maternal health.

“This year we’re going to highlight someone that’s been through some maternal health challenges, so we’ll hear from a survivor,” said Simmons.

They will also have a panel around maternal health that will be feature additional survivors and medical professionals.

“It will talk to us about how to know what to look for, what are the risk factors, and really just some education and informative talk,” said Simmons.

As a part of the Go Red for Women campaign, the American Heart Association highlights Pregnancy and Maternal Health. According to the AHA, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S.

“This is a huge issue and there is no reason that in the United States that we should be seeing rates like this of women losing their lives to have children,” said Simmons. “We have to address this, we have to unite and we need to empower that we can start to do something about it.”

Simmons says change can start with education, awareness and prevention. They hope to be the catalyst to change and make an impact through these methods.

The American Heart Association will turn 100 in June 2024.

“Not many organizations can say they’ve been around 100 years, so we are very excited to be celebrating that,” said Simmons. “We are asking individuals to join us for the next 100 years.”

The 2024 year kicks off with women’s heart health events. Join the American Heart Association as they enter in the next century.

Be sure to wear your best red, the lunch will be held on National Wear Red Day. The theme of the 2024 event will be “Go Red, Get Connected.” The luncheon is open to individuals as well as sponsorships to open the doors to more people this year.

Click here to find out more about the event and purchase tickets.