(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, along with 14 Links chapters across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV), marked National Wear Red Day with the 18th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Live, drawing nearly than 30,000 views and counting for its “Ladies First” conversation on women’s heart health.

Streaming live on Facebook and YouTube, the annual initiative focused on the connection between menopause, perimenopause, maternal health, and heart disease, the leading cause of death among women. The program elevated awareness and encouraged women to prioritize their heart health across every stage of life.

“This year’s Red Dress conversation resonated because it centered women’s lived experiences,” said Michelle M. Bailey, Chairwoman of DMV Links Red Dress and member of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. “When women understand how life transitions connect to heart disease, it changes how they view their health.”

Hosted by Emmy-award winning NBC4 journalist Jummy Olabanji of the Reston (VA) Links and moderated by Cherry Blossom (DC) Links Chapter’s Symone Sanders Townsend, co-host of The Weeknight on MSNBC’s MS NOW, the program brought together leaders across health, public service, and media.

Featured speakers included Lisa Loury Lomas, Eastern Area Director of The Links, Incorporated and member of the Columbia (MD) Links Chapter; cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. William Cooper of Reston Hospital Center; U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, member of the Wilmington (DE) Links Chapter; and Michele Ghee, President of PlayersTV.

The expert panel featured leading Cardiologist Dr. Reginald Robinson; Dr. Lynne Lightfoote of The Women’s Wellness Group and member of the Metropolitan (DC) Links Chapter; health advocate, and heart and stroke survivor ShantaQ; and naturopath and author Dr. Andrea Sullivan.

Red Dress Co-Chair Lavern Chatman, member of the Arlington (VA) Links Chapter, said the continued engagement reflects the power of trusted community spaces. “Women are looking for conversations that connect the dots across their lives. Red Dress brings awareness and action together.”

Tameka Tunsil, President of the Arlington (VA) Links Chapter, emphasized the strength of collective leadership behind the initiative. “Fifteen chapters united across the DMV to ensure women’s heart health remains a priority. This is what service and friendship in action looks like.”

Red Dress was supported by principal sponsors digital streaming partner BlackDoctor.org and long-standing partner Inova Health System.

Dr. Kelly Epps-Anderson, member of the Potomac (VA) Links Chapter, Incorporated, immediate past president of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region and Interventional Cardiologist at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular, underscored the importance of community education. “Community conversations like Red Dress help women understand their cardiovascular risk earlier. When awareness increases, outcomes improve.”

Additional sponsors included DHJ Services, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia – The Chatman Fund, Reston Hospital Center, and Business Management Associates (BMA). Patron support was provided by Walter andTammie Smiley, The McCuiston Group and The Washington Wellness Group.

Viewers participated live for a chance to win VIP tickets to The Sherri Shepherd Show, Washington Commanders tickets, resort stays, HBCU Honors taping tickets and more.

The event was produced by Etat Productions. The full program remains available on Facebook HERE and YouTube HERE, along with the official e-Program Book HERE .

To learn more, visit www.dmvlinksreddress.org.

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