Pediatric nurse practitioner & stroke survivor spearheads women's heart health movement in Buffalo

Kelly Naab to chair American Heart Association’s Buffalo 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative

Submitted by the American Heart Association 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in Buffalo and across the U.S. To change that, the American Heart Association is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Kelly Naab, pediatric nurse practitioner, who is serving as the 2025 chairwoman for Buffalo’s Go Red for Women movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.

Naab, a two-time stroke survivor and mom of two, was also recognized as the 2025 Buffalo Women of Impact winner, and she is ready to take her impact to the next level.

“As women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down – but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” Naab said. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red means go, for our hearts, our futures, and every woman who matters to us.”

Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.

The Buffalo Go Red for Women movement is dedicated to creating a community of women who support one another. Life moves fast – careers, calendars and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option. This movement reminds women to know their risk factors, connect with one another, and prioritize their health.

“There is one source of support women can count on: each other. Kelly’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Buffalo,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association, Buffalo.

Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Feb. 26, 2026, at the Buffalo Go Red for Women evening reception at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The event will feature a cocktail hour with live music, a heart-healthy dinner, and a powerful program featuring survivors, supporters and key volunteers.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information, contact Shannon Cercone at Shannon.Cercone@Heart.org or visit www.Heart.org/GoRedBuffalo.

More about the American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

More about Go Red for Women: The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).