The American Heart Association has announced Trisha Khaleghi, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Sharp HealthCare Specialty Hospitals, as chair of the 2022 San Diego 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. It is also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. – meaning heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms— and pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are rising at an alarming rate.
The opportunity to reinforce heart health as vital to maternal health was a key factor in Khaleghi’s decision to lead the 2022 Go Red for Women movement; in her role at Sharp, Khaleghi leads Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns.
“Cardiovascular disease can pose a threat to women’s heart health during pregnancy and later in life, making it important that women understand how to care for themselves and their baby,” she says.
“Like all maternity hospitals, we’ve seen an increase in pregnancy complications due to heart conditions, like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. It’s so important for women to know that heart disease can strike at any stage in life and to be familiar with the symptoms.” Khaleghi added that Sharp Mary Birch welcomes more than 7,000 babies every year.
“As the largest maternity hospital in California, I see the importance of using this platform to amplify what the American Heart Association does, and how the two organizations collaborate, with an emphasis on women’s heart health and maternal heart health. I am excited to help make that happen.”
“I see remarkable stories of adversity and recovery every day,” Khaleghi added. “Seeing and knowing firsthand, both at work and at home, how the work of the American Heart Association affects us directly is inspirational. I know our message of self-care and prevention will make an impact.”
Khaleghi has a strong personal connection to the American Heart Association, as her youngest son had open-heart surgery at just seven days old. He is now a healthy, 21-year-old college student.
She has previously chaired the Go Red for Women Luncheon, served on the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, and led Sharp as the San Diego Heart Walk’s #1 fundraising company!
“We are thrilled to have Trisha’s experience, conviction, and passion help drive Go Red in San Diego,” said Jessica Newmyer, Executive Director, American Heart Association San Diego Division. “Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them.”
As chair, Khaleghi will be leading the efforts of the American Heart Association San Diego Division 2022 San Diego Go Red for Women Campaign Executive Leadership Team, which includes: Carisa Azzi, Finance Executive Hospitality, and Real Estate; Kristin Carroll, Rescue Agency; Karen Joyce Codington, ITA Group, Inc.; Andrea Hogan, Qualcomm; Arleen Kagan, Retired Education Executive; Mallory Randall, Interlaced.io; Juli Moran Thirtle, Deloitte; and Dr. Alessandra Wall, Noteworthy.
The Executive Leadership Team is the core of San Diego’s Go Red for Women movement. Their focus is to ensure that women’s heart health remains a priority during the pandemic. The leadership and commitment they bring to the movement are making an impact via awareness and funds raised.
The Go Red for Women movement will be celebrated on Friday, February 25, at the 2022 San Diego Go Red for Women Luncheon. This year’s luncheon is at San Diego’s U.S. Grant.
Local survivor, author, and impact catalyst Kristine Michie will share her amazing experience with attendees. Kristine’s story is one many women can relate to, and one attendee will not want to miss it. Michie is the founder of ImpactFull.
For more information and to get involved, visit SDGoRed.Heart.Org or call 858.410.3850.
