(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 2, 2026) – Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson on Saturday, Feb. 28, joined Northside Hospital Gwinnett and the American Heart Association to host her inaugural Heels & Heart: A Women’s Heart Health Luncheon, bringing women from across the community together for a direct conversation about heart health.

The luncheon featured a panel of Northside Hospital cardiologists, candid discussion and on-site resource tables offering information on screenings, prevention and available community services.
Guests also participated in a brief “Heels in Motion” wellness reset, reinforcing the importance of physical activity in maintaining heart health.

“Women carry a lot — families, careers and communities — and too often our own health gets pushed aside,” said Hendrickson. “Heels and Heart created space for real conversations, trusted medical insight and a reminder that taking care of our hearts isn’t optional. It’s necessary.”
A survivor testimonial and moment of remembrance highlighted how easily symptoms can be overlooked and why speaking up early and often matters. 

“At Northside Hospital, we know that improving heart health starts with open, honest conversations and strong community partnerships,” said Jay Dennard, President of the Gwinnett Hospital Foundation and Vice President of Governmental and Community Affairs for Northside Hospital. “We were honored to join Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and the American Heart Association in bringing women together to focus on prevention, education and empowerment. Events like Heels and Heart reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring women across Gwinnett County have the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives.”

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 1 in 5 women each year.