MemorialCare Long Beach employees raise awareness of women's heart health

Hospital workers gathered to stand against heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Around 80 MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center employees wore red one day last week to raise awareness of women's heart health and to stand against heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. The employees lined the hospital footbridge with 'Stand 4 Women's Heart' posters, on which they wrote the names of women in their lives who have been impacted by heart disease. They also formed a giant heart to honor National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 6.

Why it matters

Being aware of heart conditions for men and women can help people recognize the symptoms of heart disease and can lead to quicker treatment to prevent heart attacks. With one in five women dying from heart disease in the United States, it is important to encourage women to recognize heart symptoms and to know key metrics to prevent it.

The details

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute's Women's Heart Center is a program dedicated solely to addressing the differences in heart disease between men and women, with a focus on prevention and early detection in the latter. The center is also the only program of its kind serving South Los Angeles and North Orange County, offering women access to advanced diagnostic testing, second opinions and care designed specifically around the unique ways heart disease presents in women.

  • The event took place on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
  • National Wear Red Day is observed on the first Friday in February each year.

The players

Dr. Nissi Suppogu

Medical director at the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center's Women's Heart Center.

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center

A hospital in Long Beach, California.

MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute

A program dedicated to addressing the differences in heart disease between men and women, with a focus on prevention and early detection in women.

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What they’re saying

“National Wear Red Day takes a national crisis, like heart disease being the number one killer among women, and creates a very visible conversation among people, so that we contribute to creating awareness, because that's the number one step to diagnosis and treatment.”

— Dr. Nissi Suppogu, Medical director at the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center's Women's Heart Center

“If something doesn't feel right and you are concerned for symptoms involving the heart, don't wait, get checked. And if your tests are normal but your symptoms continue, seek a second opinion. You are your own best advocate.”

— Dr. Nissi Suppogu, Medical director at the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center's Women's Heart Center

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of raising awareness about women's heart health and the unique ways heart disease can present in women. By encouraging women to recognize symptoms and seek early treatment, the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is working to save lives and improve outcomes for women affected by heart disease.