Meridian Health to celebrate American Heart Month, raise awareness for women's heart health

For the seventh year in a row, Meridian Health's Red Dress event will celebrate American Heart Month and raise awareness for women's heart health. The fun-filled, health-focused event will take place at Watermark, a chic lounge in Asbury Park. In partnership with The Heart Truth™ campaign, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Meridian CardioVascular Network's Red Dress event will showcase fashions from the famous Red Dress Collection.

Guests will also learn from Meridian CardioVascular Network experts, including Dawn Calderon, D.O., FACC, chief of Cardiology & director of the Adult Congenital Heart Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "The Red Dress is a stylish symbol with a serious message. It's an important reminder that heart disease is still the #1 killer of women in the United States, and that we need to empower and educate women to take charge of their own heart health," explains Dr. Calderon.

Dr. Calderon will also discuss her recent work with Community of Lifesavers - a landmark movement started by Meridian Health and the American Heart Association that has successfully trained thousands of people and students in Monmouth and Ocean Counties to perform CPR, and helped schools gain access to automated external defibrillators (AED).

"Too many women, moms and families have been affected by sudden cardiac arrest - a medical emergency that if not treated immediately, will result in brain damage or death. And cardiac arrest is more common amongst children than one might think. In fact, the American Heart Association estimates that there are approximately 100 student athlete fatalities each year from sudden cardiac arrest. But the good news is that with fast, appropriate medical care, survival is possible," says Dr. Calderon. "Learning CPR and how to use an AED can increase survival 200% to 300%, and can give you the power to save a life," adds Dr. Calderon.

At the event, guests will also enjoy a front-row view of red dresses from acclaimed designers, including Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Badgley Mischka. Select dresses debuted at NYC Red Dress Collection fashion shows, and were modeled by celebrity supporters such as supermodel Christie Brinkley, CBS This Morning host Gayle King and Kylie Jenner, a reality TV star of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.