The Go Red events, on Friday, Feb. 7, have become a popular event on N.C. A&T’s campus. Three years ago, Linda Wilson, executive director of Sebastian Health Center, said the center was approached by the American Heart Association to help boost awareness of heart health among colleges and universities.

“It was a perfect fit for us to partner with them to do this particular program. It is our third year and we’re excited that we have been able to continue and expand,” Wilson said.

Aggies and friends are encouraged to wear red to support National Wear Red day on event day. Activities include an Aggies Go Red Walk, a heart health wellness and food expo, line dancing and a cook-off between local university and college chancellors and presidents.

According to Wilson, “heart disease is the number one killer of African-American women, more so than any other forms of cancer.”

“A lot of times women aren’t looked at as being in the high risk category, but we are,” she said.

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease reports that 42.9 million women are currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in 3 female deaths in the U.S. making it the leading cause of death for American women.

Registration for the walk begins at 8:45 a.m. in the Memorial Student Union, which is also the location for the expo scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The cook-off will start at 12:30 p.m., A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr.; North Carolina Central State University Chancellor Debra Saunders-White; Bennett College for Women President Rosalind Fuse-Hall and Guilford Technical Community College President Randy Parker will compete as honorary chefs.

All events are free and open to the public.