CHEYENNE, Wyo., Feb. 6, 2026 — More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to recent American Heart Association data. To kick off American Heart Month this February, three women and one teen leader in Wyoming are joining the Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, to help overcome the nation’s No. 1 cause of death: cardiovascular disease.

By age 18, many adolescents have already developed risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes, and a growing number of younger adults are experiencing cardiovascular events. That’s why one teen, Alice Goodrich, a student at Worland High School, is participating in the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact™ campaign. The nine‑week competition challenges nominees to lead with purpose and create meaningful community change. Goodrich will work to build a healthier Wyoming by spreading education on heart and brain health while raising critical funds to fight CVD.

The Association’s Woman of Impact™ program is rallying three local changemakers through the Go Red for Women® movement to improve women’s heart health, address clinical care gaps and raise funds for groundbreaking research and community education. Nearly 45% of U.S. women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Woman of Impact nominees lead efforts to elevate awareness, empower other women to understand their risk and take lifesaving action.

“When we come together, we are stronger than the leading cause of death — cardiovascular disease,” said Andrea Shipley, development director for the state of Wyoming. “Each of these nominees will use their time, talent and influence to help our community better understand cardiovascular risks, take steps toward healthier living and support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.”

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives launch nationwide on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6, in markets across the country. During the nine‑week challenge, nominees and their supporters will participate in activities that create a culture of wellness — from CPR learning and physical activity challenges to research engagement, advocacy actions and more.

Wyoming’s 2026 Woman of Impact nominees are:

  • Dian True of Cody, regional coordinator, Wyoming Center on Aging
  • Dr. Amanda De Diego of Casper, associate professor in counseling, licensed professional counselor in Wyoming and Colorado and interim dean, University of Wyoming at Casper
  • Carrie Nix of Cheyenne, pulmonary cardiac rehab manager, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

After nine weeks of impact‑driven work, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominee who raises the most funds in each category will be named the 2026 Wyoming Woman of Impact winner and 2026 Wyoming Teen of Impact winner. The highest‑fundraising woman and teen nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact and National Teen of Impact winners.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Wyoming, visit www.heart.org/Wyoming or contact Andrea Shipley at Andrea.Shipley@heart.org.

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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 100 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 or X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org