Blair County women launch 2026 fight against No. 1 killer of women
ALTOONA, Pa. Feb. 6, 2026 — Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death among women. To kick off American Heart Month, five local women are joining the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Woman of Impact™ campaign to raise awareness and funds to help end heart disease and stroke in women.
The Blair County campaign builds on the region’s strong momentum from 2025, when the local initiative raised $118,000 and produced a national top-ranked winner. Last year’s Blair Woman of Impact, Amy Van Kleunen, a physical therapist at Powerback, earned 100,000 impact points, joined the Association’s prestigious Centennial Club and ranked No. 11 nationwide among hundreds of nominees across the country.
The Woman of Impact initiative is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which works to improve women’s heart health, close gaps in research and care and ensure women are better represented in cardiovascular science.
Beginning on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6, nominees will spend nine weeks competing locally and nationally to raise lifesaving funds and educate women about their risks for heart disease and stroke. While more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, cardiovascular disease continues to claim the lives of 1 in 3 women.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet fewer than half of women realize it,” said Vanessa Houser, development director for the American Heart Association. “Last year, our Blair County nominees showed what is possible when women come together with passion and purpose. This year’s class is ready to build on that momentum and ensure every woman is seen, heard and supported when it comes to her heart health.”
Throughout the campaign, nominees will host community events, share heart-health education, promote Hands-Only CPR, encourage participation in research and raise funds that directly support lifesaving research, education and advocacy.
Blair County 2026 Woman of Impact nominees:
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Jodi Westover, UPMC
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Ellie Woomer, UPMC
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Jill Rhoa, UPMC
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Tricia Sidney, Foot of Ten Elementary
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Michelle Homman, PSECU
After nine weeks of driving impact, the campaign will conclude on April 9, when one local nominee will be named the Blair County 2026 Woman of Impact winner. The woman who raises the most funds nationwide will also be named the National Woman of Impact winner.
Last year’s campaign demonstrated the power of this movement, with nominees hosting lunch-and-learns, leading senior-center outreach, creating educational videos and encouraging thousands of women to take action for their heart health — all while raising critical funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission.
To learn more about the Blair County Go Red for Women movement, visit heart.org/blairgored.
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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:
Athena Klapak, athena.klapak@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
