Cook Children’s Director Named Local Go Red Chair

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Barbara Peace, Director of Nursing Quality and Magnet at Cook Children’s Health Care System, as the community volunteer chair of the 2021-2022 Tarrant County Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.

“Women are the cornerstone of our communities and yet, our health is often overlooked and disregarded,” said Peace. “Women deserve to have their health prioritized on behalf of themselves, their families, their communities and the world. It’s why I do what I do every day, and what inspired me to chair the Tarrant County Go Red for Women movement.”

To remove barriers to good heart health and well-being, Go Red for Women raises awareness among women, empowers women to take charge of their health, engages more women in research and STEM, and addresses inequities in access and quality of care. Hypertension in women has been identified by the American Heart Association Tarrant County board to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

“We are thrilled to have Barbara’s leadership, conviction and passion to help drive Go Red in Tarrant County,” said Emile Blaine, executive director of the Tarrant County Division. “Together, with Barbara and our executive leadership team, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”

Returning for a second year is the Tarrant County Woman of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact will be named the Tarrant County Woman of Impact Award Winner, an accolade achieved by Peace in 2021.

This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Tarrant County Go Red for Women Luncheon.

For more information about Go Red for Women visit www.heart.org/tarrantcountygored.