May 16, 2026 — Encompass Health hospitals in metro Atlanta, including Rehabilitation Hospital of Atlanta, Rehabilitation Hospital of Henry, Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan, Rehabilitation Hospital of Cumming, Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens and Eastside Rehabilitation Hospital, continued their commitment to advancing women's health by sponsoring and participating in the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women luncheon. The annual event brings together healthcare leaders, survivors and advocates to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
By serving as a signature sponsor, Encompass Health teams helped further the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association's mission while strengthening awareness around the unique ways heart disease and stroke impact women. The partnership reflects a shared dedication to improving patient outcomes and supporting survivors across the Atlanta region.
“Our involvement in Go Red for Women shows our commitment to care,” said Brandy Cortes, business development director at Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan. “We are proud to support initiatives that educate and empower women while advancing the fight against heart disease and stroke.”
Participation in the event also plays a key role in reinforcing Encompass Health's presence in the Atlanta area. By aligning with a cause closely associated to its cardiac and stroke rehabilitation services, the hospitals were able to connect with the community to show how they lead in inpatient rehabilitation care. The luncheon also brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals and advocates who are interested in improving health outcomes.
One of the most powerful moments of the luncheon came as survivors were honored and shared their personal journeys. Among them was a woman who described being initially dismissed when seeking care. Told she was “too young” for her symptoms to be serious, she later learned she was experiencing a heart attack. Her story, along with others, brought the event's mission to life, showcasing both the challenges and the resilience of those impacted by cardiovascular disease.
“The survivor stories were incredibly moving,” Cortes said. “They served as a reminder of why awareness, education and early intervention are so important — and why we must continue to ensure women are heard, diagnosed quickly and given every opportunity to recover and thrive.”
The overall impact of this year's Go Red for Women luncheon extended far beyond the event itself. In addition to raising funds, the luncheon helped increase awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, symptoms and the importance of seeking timely medical care. By bringing together survivors, families and advocates, it fostered a shared sense of purpose and encouraged attendees to take an active role in their own health and the health of their communities.