American Heart Association opens $15 million fund for innovations to improve women’s health
The new "Go Red for Women Venture Fund" will invest in health companies that target cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurologic solutions across a woman’s lifespan.
Sally Ross Soter from Palm Beach, FL, has donated $15 million to the American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Go Red for Women Venture Fund.” These investment dollars go toward addressing the disparities in cardiovascular care between men and women.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet women receive only a fraction of healthcare funding. In 2023, just 2 percent of the $41.2 billion in healthcare venture funding was allocated to women’s health.
The AHA, celebrating its centennial year, launched the $75 million Go Red for Women Venture Fund to accelerate scientific research and create solutions that better address women’s cardiovascular needs. The fund will be supported by $40 million from the AHA and Soter’s generous gift, with strategic investments expected to begin in late 2024.
Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the AHA, praised Soter’s long-standing commitment to improving women’s heart health.
“Sally’s passion for improving women’s health is the driving force behind her remarkable generosity,” Brown said. “As she often says, ‘legacy matters’ and this new gift is another powerful example of her commitment to the Association’s mission and creating a healthier future for women everywhere.”
A recent report from the AHA highlights the need for more research on how cardiovascular disease affects women differently, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The Go Red for Women Venture Fund aims to fill these gaps and improve the future of women’s health.
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