Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five Harrisburg area leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement to change this statistic through the Woman of Impact initiative. Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a catalyst to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February 7 to April 10 to raise funds to advance research and education initiatives to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
Heart disease unfairly targets women, who have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. However, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life as a trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
“Cardiovascular disease is the silent killer, claiming more women’s lives than all cancers combined, yet less than half of women know this shocking fact[2],” said Andrea Splain, vice president and commercial banker at S&T Bank and chairwoman of the Capital Region Go Red for Women campaign. “Our Woman of Impact nominees have the power to unite women across the region, educate them about their heart health risks, and inspire them to take control of their well-being. Together, we can make sure every woman’s voice is heard and no one has to face heart health challenges alone.”
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in hundreds of cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 7. At the start of the campaign, nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women in their communities through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance equitable health. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Capital Region American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and other lifesaving research, advocacy, and education.
The 2025 Capital Region Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Kait Beck, operations manager, Perry Strength and Fitness
- Paula Beleck, senior benefit sales consultant, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
- Patti Hill, project manager and media solutions advisor, Triscari Video | Web | Marketing
- Laura Kennedy, relationship manager, Belco Community Credit Union
- Beth Lehr, general manager, KickHouse York and KickHouse Hershey
After nine weeks of driving immense impact, the competition will culminate on April 10. One nominee will be named the 2025 Capital Region Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local community winners, one changemaker from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner on April 15. The Capital Region Woman of Impact winner will be honored at the annual Capital Region Go Red for Women Event on Thursday, May 1 at the West Shore Country Club.
“As the American Heart Association embarks on its second century of lifesaving work, our mission is clear and our future is about improving yours,” said Devon Sprenkle, executive director of the American Heart Association in South Central Pennsylvania. “Women are a force to be reckoned with when we are motivating, educating, and inspiring each other. Having these incredible women join our movement will make a significant impact on women’s heart health in our community. Together, we can create a healthier future for all women.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in the Capital Region or support the Woman of Impact nominees, visit heart.org/goredhbg.
[1] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html