East Texas health leaders co-chair the 2026 Tyler Go Red for Women Luncheon

TYLER, Texas, April 14, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in East Texas and across the nation. To change that, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has named Kristen Brice, regional director of outreach and engagement for Ardent Health’s Lonestar Region, and Sandra Tovar, assistant chief nursing officer at UT Health North Campus Tyler, as co‑chairs of the 2026 Tyler Go Red for Women® movement. Together, Brice and Tovar will champion women’s heart health across East Texas, mobilizing local leaders, workplaces and community members to take action in support of lifesaving prevention, education and equitable access to care. The movement will culminate in the Tyler Go Red for Women Luncheon May 1 at Willow Brook Country Club. “As women, our days are packed and life rarely slows down, but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” Brice said. Tovar shares that mission and says it hits close to home. “This mission speaks directly to who I am and what I care about most: women and the health of our community,” Tovar said. “In East Texas, we take care of one another, and Go Red for Women meets needs right here in our own backyard. That’s what keeps me invested.” For both chairs, the movement became personal long before they accepted their leadership roles. Brice’s father survived an unexpected heart attack, reshaping her understanding of heart disease and the urgency of early detection. Tovar says her recent experiences navigating biological changes and a demanding lifestyle have shown her how easily women overlook their own symptoms or have those symptoms dismissed. “No woman should feel unheard or uncertain when it comes to her health,” Tovar said. “Your heart health is not negotiable. You deserve to be here, healthy and strong, for the people you love and for yourself.” Both co‑chairs first engaged with the American Heart Association through leadership and volunteer roles: Brice as a 2023 Woman of Impact nominee and Tovar through her mentor, former co‑chair Lecia Bowman. Each describes witnessing firsthand the power of women coming together around prevention, awareness and community impact. This year’s Tyler Go Red for Women campaign embraces the theme Rooted in Heart, a message both leaders say reflects legacy, unity and the deep compassion of East Texas women. “Rooted in Heart represents extraordinary East Texas women pouring their hearts into work that matters most,” Tovar said. “Their determination is reshaping our community in beautiful and inspiring ways.” The co‑chairs are leading efforts to expand community health access including education, blood‑pressure monitoring tools and preventive resources in local workplaces, churches, libraries and gathering spaces. Brice says this type of outreach “removes barriers and creates generational shifts in how women prioritize their health.” “There is one source of support women can always count on: each other,” said Devon Churchill, development director for the American Heart Association in Tyler. “Kristen and Sandra bring passion, purpose and a shared commitment to helping East Texas women live longer, healthier lives.” This year’s luncheon will debut a Women’s Health Pop-Up Experience where attendees can explore resources from local health providers, wellness experts and local organizations committed to supporting women at every stage of life. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Tyler Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by UT Health East Texas and the University of Texas at Tyler. For more information, contact Devon Churchill at Devon.Churchill@heart.org or visit heart.org/TylerGoRed ### 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 a 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. For Media Inquiries Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org