SEATTLE, Feb. 3, 2026 – More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, 14 leaders from across the Puget Sound are joining the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, to overcome the No. 1 health threat, cardiovascular disease. 

By age 18, many adolescents have already developed heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes, and a growing number of younger adults are experiencing adverse cardiovascular events.[2] That’s why six teens are participating in the American Heart Association’s Puget Sound Teen of Impact™ campaign, a nine-week competition that challenges nominated teens to lead with purpose and create meaningful change in their communities. Sponsored locally by Seattle Children’s, nominees will compete to build a healthier community by spreading education on heart and brain health while raising critical funds that help in the fight against CVD. 

The American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ program is rallying eight 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. Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of CVD. Woman of Impact nominees will raise funds and awareness to improve women’s heart health and address clinical care gaps. 

“When we come together, we are stronger than the leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease,” said Whitney Meidl, executive director, American Heart Association, Washington. “Each of the teens and women participating will use their time, talent and influence to educate the community about their risk, encourage them to take action to improve their health, and raise critical funds to continue the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.” 

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launch on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6, in cities across the country. Hundreds of nominees will embark on a nine-week competition to help transform heart health. Each week, nominees and their team members participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness. Activities may include learning CPR and sharing the importance of getting active, recruiting friends and family to participate in research or advocacy, and more. 

Puget Sound’s 2026 Woman of Impact Nominees are:

  • Kayla Down
  • Alisha Ghajar, ND, MSCP
  • Anita Gupta
  • Linda Hoffner
  • Uma Krishnan, M.D.
  • Courtney MacNealy
  • Jessica Randolph
  • Meredith Sandland

Puget Sound’s 2026 Teen of Impact Nominees are:

  • Sabrina Brummett
  • Lisa Komashinskaya
  • Ashley Mahajan
  • Manvitha Prasad Kathula
  • Alexis Teh
  • Dylan Wu

After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will conclude on April 9. The winners will be announced and their collective success celebrated during a Moment of Impact event held on April 15. The nominee from each campaign who drives the most impact, which is calculated based on funds raised and mission-focused activities completed, will be named the Puget Sound’s 2026 Woman of Impact Winner and 2026 Teen of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, the woman and teen nominee who raised the most nationwide, will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner and Teen of Impact Winner. 

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in the Puget Sound and across Washington state, visit heart.org/Washington

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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. 

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:  

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org  

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org  

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

heart.org and stroke.org