Rebecca Schweitzer
Today, that focus is National Go Red Day and why heart disease awareness matters here at home.
Heart Disease Is the Leading Cause of Death
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States. Nearly half of American adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease alone claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
In Iowa, heart disease consistently ranks as one of the top causes of death. That means families in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and rural communities across our state are directly affected. This is not a distant national issue. It impacts our neighbors, coworkers, parents, and friends.
Research Funding Cuts Slow Progress
According to a recent Senate report, $561 million was cut from lifesaving medical research tied to the top causes of death. Of that total, approximately $111 million was cut from heart disease research funding.
When cardiovascular research funding is reduced, it slows clinical trials, delays innovation, and limits progress in prevention and treatment. For Iowans who rely on advances in heart surgery, medications, and early detection tools, these cuts matter directly.
Heart disease is one of the most preventable major health conditions when we invest in research, education, and access to care. Reduced funding puts that progress at risk.
Why Go Red Day Matters in Iowa
Go Red Day is more than wearing red. It is about education, prevention, and support for cardiovascular health.
In Iowa, where rural hospital access can already be limited, prevention and early intervention are critical. Awareness campaigns like Go Red Day help people understand risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and lack of physical activity.
If you are searching for heart disease statistics, Go Red Day Iowa, or Rebecca Schweitzer Iowa, the goal of this blog is simple: raise awareness and encourage action.
How You Can Support Heart Health
There are practical ways to make a difference:
❤️ Donate to support cardiovascular research and prevention programs through the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give
❤️ Talk to your family about heart disease risk factors and schedule preventive checkups.
❤️ Wear red and share information to keep heart health visible in your workplace and community.
❤️ Advocate for continued investment in lifesaving research at both the state and federal levels.
A Message from Rebecca Schweitzer in Iowa
As someone who lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa, I believe health policy and research funding are not abstract political issues. They directly impact families across our state.
Heart disease affects nearly half of American adults. It touches nearly every Iowa community. On Go Red Day, we should not only acknowledge the statistics but recommit to prevention, research, and support.
Awareness saves lives. Investment saves lives. Action saves lives.
Rebecca Schweitzer
Des Moines, Iowa
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