DOVER –– For the 13th year, women will come out in force to raise awareness of the leading cause of death in women –– heart disease. The Southern Delaware Go Red for Women Luncheon with the theme “Power of a Women’s Heart,” is slated for Feb. 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dover Downs Hotel & Conference center.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., killing nearly half a million women each year — about one per minute. Stroke is the No. 4 killer in women. One in three women will die from heart disease and stroke. They are our sisters, mothers, daughters, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

“Despite the statistics, there is hope. Inside every woman is the power to live a longer, stronger life. The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement seeks to provide women with the tools and resources they need to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke,” said Karen Gritton, event organizer.

The American Heart Association reports that the health information and screenings offered through Go Red produce positive results. The association estimates about 91 percent of women involved in Go Red have visited their doctor in the last 12 months (compared to 73 percent of all U.S. women), 64 percent follow a regular exercise routine and 84 percent have talked to friends about their heart health.

Before the luncheon, attendees will have access to free health screenings and information from medical professionals about warning signs of heart disease and stroke and preventative measures to take.

Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on various items in a silent auction which will include an outdoor LP gas fireplace, jewelry and cosmetics organizers, custom Go Red for Women corn hole boards, a Ninja Mega Kitchen System, a Yeti Cooler Bundle, a one week stay in Myrtle Beach and Fit Bit basket.

Other items include beauty baskets, designer bags, Alex and Ani bracelets, Longaberger items, and gift cards for massages, restaurants, golf, haircuts, just to name a few.

Once everyone is seated around noon, the feature presentation will begin with a fashion show and keynote speaker.

Nationally, the Go Red campaign has touched the lives of more than 900,000 women, most of whom have made positive lifestyle changes like following a healthier diet and following physicians’ advice more closely.

The heart association estimates that the number of lives touched by Go Red have saved more than 600,000 people from cardiac-related death since the campaign began in 2004.

The luncheon is Feb. 5. Tickets are $50 each and available online at southerndegored.heart.org or by calling 877-750-4276. Registration closes Feb. 3.