Seven professional women's football players from the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) have been selected as ambassadors to promote heart health awareness and CPR education, addressing a critical gap in women's healthcare. The collaboration aims to combat cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death among women, with less than half of women aware of this significant health threat.
The selected player ambassadors represent teams across the United States, including representatives from Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Mississippi, Washington, Tennessee, and Texas. These athletes will support public service announcements, social media campaigns, and community education events focused on heart health and emergency response skills.
WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters emphasized the alignment between the league's athletic values and the American Heart Association's mission. The partnership underscores a broader commitment to player and community health, evidenced by the league's requirement that all approximately 200 coaches be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid.
According to the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update, women receive bystander CPR less frequently than men in public settings, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and training. The player ambassador program seeks to bridge this critical healthcare disparity by leveraging the athletes' visibility and influence.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, stressed the importance of empowering women to take proactive steps toward heart health. The initiative builds on the organization's Go Red for Women movement, which has been addressing cardiovascular disease awareness since 2004.
By mobilizing women athletes as health advocates, this partnership aims to transform public understanding of heart disease, encourage CPR education, and ultimately save lives through increased awareness and community engagement.
