Skip to Content

Women Veterans, Let’s Talk Heart Health: Go Red for Women with West Texas VA

Two staff members of WTVAHC joined in on the Wear Red Women Heart health Month Walk at the George H. O'Brien, Jr. VAMC.
Sidney Rios, left, and Alicia Garcia, right, Medical Support Assistants with West Texas VA Health Care System, joined staff and Veterans in the annual ‘Go Red - Heart Health Walk’ in front of the George H. O’Brien Jr., VA Medical Center in Big Spring Texas.
By Michael Cole, Public Affairs Officer

When we think about staying strong and ready for anything, we often focus on mental resilience and physical fitness.

But what about our heart health? The truth is heart disease isn’t just a concern for men—it’s the #1 killer of women in the U.S. That’s why the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) joined forces with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative to raise awareness and empower women Veterans to take charge of their cardiovascular health.

Heart Health is Our Mission

"Today is about more than just wearing red—it's about recognizing a major health risk for women Veterans: cardiovascular disease," said Amanda Pinkley, Women Veterans Program Manager at WTVAHCS. "We want all our Veterans, especially our women Vets, to prioritize their heart health, because prevention and early action can save lives."

On February 7,2025, Veterans and VA staff walked the health track at the George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center, proudly wearing red to show their commitment to heart health awareness. It wasn’t just about exercise—it was about making a statement: we take care of our hearts, just like we take care of each other.

Why This Matters for Women Veterans

Cardiovascular disease is often overlooked in women, but the stats don’t lie:

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.
  • Almost 45% of women over 20 already have some form of cardiovascular disease.
  • Symptoms in women can be different than in men—fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and back pain can all signal a heart attack.

That’s why the Go Red for Women initiative, launched by the American Heart Association in 2004, focuses on education, prevention, and lifestyle changes to help women stay ahead of heart disease.

Taking Control of Your Heart Health

The West Texas VA Health Care System is committed to giving women Veterans the tools they need to live longer, healthier lives. Events like the Heart Health Walk provided an opportunity to meet with healthcare professionals and learn easy, everyday ways to improve heart health—like eating heart-smart, staying active, and managing stress.

“Many people still think of heart disease as something that mainly affects men,’ but women are just as affected,” said Robert Hoff, Associate Director of WTVAHCS. “Our goal is to provide women Veterans with the knowledge and resources to take control of their heart health through awareness, prevention, and early detection.”

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

If you couldn’t make the event, don’t worry—heart health isn’t just a one-day conversation. Take a moment today to:

  • Check your risk factors – Talk to your VA care team about screenings and heart health assessments.
  • Move your body – Even 30 minutes of activity a day can make a huge difference.
  • Fuel your heart – Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats.
  • Listen to your body – Know the signs of heart disease and seek care early.

Your West Texas VA health care team is here to support you every step of the way. To learn more about heart health resources, call (432) 263-7361 and connect with your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT).

Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and for each other—because strong women take care of their hearts.