Johnston-Willis CEO to Lead Heart Health Initiative
Beth Matish will chair the 2027 Central Virginia Go Red for Women movement in Richmond.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Beth Matish, the CEO of Johnston-Willis Hospital, will lead the American Heart Association's 2027 Central Virginia Go Red for Women initiative. The campaign culminates in an event at The Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa Short Pump on February 12, 2027.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to improve heart and brain health for women by addressing significant gaps in medical research and care. It focuses on educating women about cardiovascular health risks across all stages of their lives.
The Go Red for Women movement has been active in Central Virginia for 20 years. Current projections suggest that almost 60% of women could have high blood pressure by 2050.
The players
Beth Matish
She is the chief executive officer at Johnston-Willis Hospital and serves as the 2027 chair for the Central Virginia Go Red for Women initiative.
American Heart Association
This is a non-profit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research and educates consumers on healthy living.
Johnston-Willis Hospital
Located in Richmond, this medical facility is part of the HCA Healthcare network and provides a range of surgical and emergency services.
The details
The campaign targets cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women. Through advocacy and educational programming, the initiative works to close disparities that persist within the current healthcare system.
Timeline
The Central Virginia Go Red for Women Experience takes place on February 12, 2027.
Beth Matish serves as chair throughout the 2026-27 term.
High blood pressure prevalence in women is projected to reach 60% by 2050.
The Big Picture
This local campaign follows the national pattern set by the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement to combat cardiovascular disease. It represents a sustained effort to align regional health resources with broader national objectives for improving heart health outcomes.
Residents can participate in local educational programming focused on identifying early heart health risk factors. The initiative provides resources to help women navigate healthcare gaps and improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
The takeaway
Understanding cardiovascular risks early in life is critical to preventing long-term complications. Local initiatives like this provide the necessary educational foundation to help women advocate for their own heart health within the medical system.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat Heart Disease in your area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Heart Association.
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Do you prioritize preventive health screenings to manage your own long-term heart health?
