Anchorage, Alaska, September 29, 2025 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces April Park, MBA, SHRM-SCP, chief operating officer at Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, as the community volunteer chairperson of the 2026 Anchorage Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. 

Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women[1], claiming more lives than all cancers combined. According to the American Heart Association, women’s unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect their cardiovascular risk. The good news is that the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. 

“It’s a true honor to serve as the 2026 Go Red for Women chairperson,” said April Park. “Heart disease remains a leading threat to women’s health, and I’m deeply committed to raising awareness, driving education and inspiring action throughout our community. Losing even one mother, sister, daughter or friend is one too many. Let’s empower women to take control of their heart and brain health and build a stronger, healthier future for Alaska.” 

Serving alongside Park is the 2026 Anchorage Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, which includes:

  • Aja Rehrig, Boretide Consultants
  • Cinderella Tollefsen, Alaska Health Services and Alaska Trauma & Acute Care Surgery
  • Grace Greene, LifeMed Alaska
  • Jennifer Rafferty, Alliant Employee Benefits
  • Margaret Horvath, Providence Alaska
  • Margaret Janke, Furniture Enterprises
  • Marietta Hall, Marietta Hall CFP
  • Melissa Bell, Notch Realty Co.
  • Melissa Reiser, First National Bank Alaska
  • Sabrina Kern, Salon Demetri

“We’re excited to welcome April Park as our local chairperson for Go Red for Women,” said Chrissy Colucci, executive director of the American Heart Association in Alaska. “April brings a blend expertise and insight, making her a fitting champion for the Go Red movement. Together, we’re dedicated to driving meaningful change in women’s heart and brain health throughout Alaska.” 

This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, during the Anchorage Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Dena’ina Center. The Anchorage Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and with local support from Live Fierce Alaska sponsor Providence Alaska and Life Fierce. Life is Why sponsor Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute. For more information about the Anchorage Go Red for Women Luncheon and movement visit heart.org/anchoragegored. 

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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 19 years, 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)

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 Alaska, connect with us on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram or X.  

For media inquiries:

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:

1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org