Heartlinks Red Dress Dinner Shines a Light on the Number One Killer of Black Women: Cardiovascular Disease
A powerful wave of red filled the South Miami Hospital Victor E. Clarke Auditorium as women from across Miami came together for the annual Heartlinks Red Dress Dinner—a life-saving initiative dedicated to increasing awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among Black women in the United States. Hosted by the Health and Human Services Facet of The Links, Incorporated Greater Miami (FL) Chapter, the event was a call to action, empowering attendees with critical knowledge about heart disease and prevention.
The evening featured an esteemed lineup of healthcare professionals, including Dr. Adedapo (Dapo) Iluyomade, a preventive cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, who emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to maintain heart health.
“The American Heart Association put together eight simple things that we could do,” Dr. Iluyomade explained. “That’s eat better, be more active, quit smoking, get healthy sleep… manage our weight, control our cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and manage blood pressure.”
His words reinforced the night’s mission: to educate, inspire, and equip women with the tools to take control of their heart health. With heart disease disproportionately impacting Black women—often due to a combination of genetic, societal, and healthcare disparities—the Heartlinks Red Dress Dinner served as both a wake-up call and a source of empowerment.
The event also featured a survivor testimony, a heart-healthy dinner, and interactive discussions on early detection and preventative care. Attendees left not only moved by the shared stories but also committed to incorporating heart-healthy habits into their daily lives.
The Facts*
- Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.
- Cardiovascular diseases kill more than 50,000 Black women annually.
- Among Black women ages 20 and older, nearly 59% have cardiovascular disease.
- only 39% of Black women are aware that chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack
This event was more than just wearing red—it was about taking charge of health. Black women are significantly impacted by cardiovascular disease, and many don’t realize that they are at risk until it’s too late. The Heartlinks Red Dress Dinner armed attendees with knowledge, resources, and a commitment to change.
The Heartlinks Red Dress Dinner is part of The Links, Incorporated’s national initiative to combat heart disease in Black communities through education, advocacy, and outreach. As the evening concluded, the message was clear: awareness leads to action, and action leads to change.
