Holly Francois Leads St. Louis Go Red Campaign
The Maritz executive will chair the 2027 initiative to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Holly Francois, the chief financial officer of Maritz, has been named the 2027 chair for the St. Louis Go Red for Women campaign. The movement works to educate women on cardiovascular risk factors and address critical gaps in healthcare access.
Why it matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, with one in three dying from the condition. This campaign aims to close care gaps and encourage preventative action before a health crisis occurs.
An American Heart Association survey found that less than half of women are aware of their unique cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, researchers project that nearly 60% of women could have high blood pressure by 2050.
The players
Holly Francois
Holly Francois is the chief financial officer of Maritz and serves as the 2027 chair for the St. Louis Go Red for Women campaign.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization that funds cardiovascular medical research and educates the public on healthy living.
The details
The initiative aims to improve outcomes by providing education on heart health and fostering connections for women across the St. Louis area. The efforts are centered on the upcoming St. Louis Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton St. Louis.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Announcement of Holly Francois as the 2027 campaign chair.
April 30, 2027: St. Louis Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Health Landscape
This campaign follows the established patterns of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement to address systemic gaps in cardiovascular education. It reflects a broader shift toward targeted community health outreach to combat the rising prevalence of hypertension.
The initiative encourages women in the community to prioritize their heart health through routine screenings and increased awareness of personal risk factors. Residents can participate in local educational events to better understand the warning signs of cardiovascular disease.
The takeaway
Understanding personal risk factors is a vital step toward preventing heart-related health crises. Women should prioritize regular blood pressure checks and heart-healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Heart Disease section.
More information
Find additional resources and event details on the St. Louis Go Red for Women information page.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize your own heart health despite the demands of your career and family?
