Hundreds of women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign to champion heart health
HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Fri. 6, 2026 — Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, four Hampton Roads leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD.
The Heart Association’s Woman of Impact program is rallying four local changemakers, through the Go Red for Women® movement, to improve women’s heart health, address clinical care gaps and raise funds for cardiovascular research and education.
The Woman of Impact class will begin their campaigns on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6. They will compete with nominees locally and across the nation to raise funds to advance the work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. As a woman ages, her risk for CVD changes. Still, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Go Red for Women is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and yet less than half of women are aware of this,” said Charlene Grabowski, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association – Hampton Roads. “Woman of Impact nominees will bring Hampton Roads womentogether, educate them on their risks and inspire them to take charge of their heart, while encouraging others they know and love to do the same. Together, we can ensure every woman is heard and seen. When it comes to their heart health, no one has to go it alone.”
Woman of Impact nominees will dedicate nine weeks to transforming 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 health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Nominees also raise critical funds for the American Heart Association so that more women have an opportunity live a longer and healthier life.
Hampton Roads’s 2026 Woman of Impact nominees are:
- Patricia Bracknell, Founder & CEO, Chamber for Hispanic Progress
- Dr. Jade Ranger, Founder, The Prescription Shoppe
- Kati Rogers Johnson, Bon Secours Foundation
- Jenn Woodard, Sentara Cardiology Specialists
After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominee who raises the most lifesaving funds will be named the Hampton Roads 2026 Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, the woman who raised the most nationwide, will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Hampton Roads, visit www.heart.org/hamptonroadsgored.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries:
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://professional.heart.org/-/media/phd-files-2/science-news/2/2025-heart-and-stroke-stat-update/factsheets/2025-stats-update-fact-sheet-women-and-cvd.pdf