Phoenix health executive spearheads local women’s heart health movement
PHOENIX, Nov. 24, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Phoenix and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health.
Leading that effort locally is Tanya Osborne-McKenzie, EVP, Chief Nurse Executive Officer of Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center, who is serving as the 2025- 2026 chair for Phoenix’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“Often, women are misdiagnosed, misunderstood or simply ignored when they have concerns about heart disease,” said Osborne-McKenzie. “As the chair for the Phoenix Go Red for Women campaign, the initiative's focus on improving women's health resonates with me on a deeply personal and professional level. To me, it means empowerment through education and action and demanding that women's heart health be taken seriously.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Go Red for Women Luncheon. The event will take place at the Arizona Biltmore, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will feature survivor stories, inspiration, education and community among women.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Phoenix Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Arizona Complete Health—the Live Fierce. Be Relentless Platform sponsor—and Dignity Health—the local presenting sponsor. For more information, email phoenixGRFW@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/phxgored.
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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:
Satara Tinkler; satara.tinkler@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org
