Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center Programs

The Red Dress

Launched in 2002, by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth® Campaign, the red dress became the catalyst in the national women and heart disease movement. Today, the red dress is the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness and inspires women to address their heart health concerns.

The first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day!  Please join us by wearing red to promote awareness about women and heart disease. Particularly in February, but throughout the year, we host events and programs in the community where the red dress and all it symbolizes are on prominent display. 

The Women’s Heart Center is the proud recipient of the inaugural 2004 Woman’s Day Red Dress Award for leading the fight against heart disease. 

The Red Scarf

Like the red dress, the red scarf lets women with heart disease know they are not alone in their heart journey. Crocheted and knitted handmade red scarves offer support, comfort, and encouragement for hospitalized women newly diagnosed with a heart condition. 

The Women’s Heart Center appreciates every thoughtful red scarf donation. Donated handmade red scarves should be 6-8 inches wide and 48-60 inches long. Scarves are placed in our hospital education bags and distributed to female heart patients by our Pathway to Purpose volunteers. Please call 816-932-5784 to schedule a time to drop off your red scarves. 

Pathway to Purpose

A Pathway to Purpose volunteer is a woman who has experienced a life-altering cardiovascular condition and is committed to pursuing an advocacy role supporting the hearts of women. A Women’s Heart Center staff member and Pathway to Purpose volunteer regularly do rounds in Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and visit with hospitalized women who are newly diagnosed with heart conditions. 

The program provides:

• A venue for women newly diagnosed with heart disease or a life-altering cardiovascular condition to have the opportunity to interact with someone who understands their experience and fears.
• A venue for Pathway to Purpose volunteers to give back and increase their scope of understanding related to cardiovascular conditions and challenges. 
• A venue for women to establish and maintain a sense of empowerment as it relates to their overall health and well-being.
• Numerous opportunities to establish/develop an advocacy role. 
  • Community education
  • Community support network 

The Women’s Heart Center is a founding member of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

To learn about Women’s Heart Center community programs, call 816-932-5624.