The Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) has joined forces with the American Heart Association to address critical health disparities facing women, launching a comprehensive awareness campaign focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and emergency response training.
According to the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update, cardiovascular disease remains the most significant health threat for women, with less than half of women aware that it is their leading cause of death. The collaboration aims to bridge this knowledge gap by leveraging the visibility and influence of professional women athletes.
Seven WNFC players have been selected as ambassadors to amplify public service announcements, generate social media content, and participate in community education events. These athletes represent diverse teams across the league, including the Chicago Winds, Seattle Majestics, and Atlanta Truth, among others.
WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters emphasized the league's commitment to health and safety, highlighting that all 200 coaches are required to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the organization's dedication to player well-being both on and off the field.
The initiative builds upon the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, which has been addressing cardiovascular health awareness since 2004. By partnering with professional athletes, the organization seeks to reach women across different communities and age groups, providing critical health information and life-saving skills.
Notably, women receive bystander CPR in public settings less frequently than men, underscoring the importance of targeted education and awareness campaigns. The player ambassadors will help normalize and demystify CPR training, encouraging more women to learn these potentially life-saving techniques.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the mission-critical nature of the work, stating that the collaboration aims to empower women to take proactive steps toward better health. By meeting people where they are and providing accessible, credible health information, the partnership hopes to reduce cardiovascular disease risks and improve overall health outcomes.
This strategic alliance represents a significant step toward addressing gender disparities in health awareness and emergency medical response, leveraging the influential platform of women athletes to promote critical life-saving knowledge.
