Dallas leader Christina Reed raises $62K to fight women’s No. 1 health threat

DALLAS, May 19, 2026 — In recognition of her energy and passion to fight back against women’s greatest health threat, Christina Reed is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Dallas Woman of Impact™ winner for 2026. She won the local competition by raising funds and awareness for heart disease and stroke while inspiring other women to take action to improve their health. Reed raised more than $60,000 to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. Ten nominees participated in the 2026 Dallas Woman of Impact competition. Over nine weeks, participants used their collective influence to raise critical funds supporting the American Heart Association’s lifesaving research, education and programs. Along the way, they educated women about cardiovascular risk, shared Hands-Only CPR and made a meaningful impact across the Dallas community. Nationwide, the Woman of Impact campaign raised more than $7 million, and Reed ranked 13 th of 540 women in the U.S. “Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Christina Reed and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to help all women in Dallas feel seen and heard when it comes to their health,” said Doreen Griffith, volunteer board chair for the American Heart Association in Dallas and Retired Partner at Grant Thornton. “Together, we have the power to ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.” While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in women. [1] Women experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Still, many instances of heart disease and stroke are preventable. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and meeting the evolving health needs of women globally for more than two decades. “It was important for me to participate in the Woman of Impact campaign because I’ve seen firsthand how heart health affects the people we love and how easily women can put their own well-being on the back burner,” said Reed. “Through personal experiences with loved ones affected by heart-related issues, as well as my work in employee benefits, I’ve seen the critical role that awareness, prevention and access to care can play in changing outcomes. I wanted to help more women understand their risk factors and feel empowered to take control of their health. I am honored to have received this recognition and look forward to continuing to work alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women live longer, healthier lives.” Reed is now one of 102 community-level Women of Impact winners from across the country eligible for national recognition. The national winner was also announced in TIME magazine . The Woman of Impact campaign launched on National Wear Red Day® , Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Dallas nominees ignited the campaign with high-energy kickoff events across the region and sustained that momentum through a wide range of community-driven efforts. From engaging supporters at local venues and businesses to participating in health-focused events like CHD Alumni Network gatherings and Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, nominees brought lifesaving education directly to the community. They also built meaningful partnerships with local organizations to expand outreach and connected with new audiences through service initiatives, social gatherings and giveback experiences. Together, these efforts helped raise awareness, inspire action and advance the mission to improve heart health for all. Other local nominees included: Danielle (Dani) Raschel Chou Nikki Duncan Katie Halicki Melinda Haynie Telisa King Jen McKee Alison Power-Elder Yamaceeta Thompson Heather Wagemann Over 44% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. [2] Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives. The American Heart Association is seeking passionate and competitive women who want to make a difference in women’s heart health. The North Texas area is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Woman of Impact campaign, and community members are encouraged to nominate a changemaker from their network by visiting https://womanofimpact.heart.org/nominate-a-candidate/ . ### 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: Lindsey Lyons Jones Lindsey.LyonsJones@Heart.org Phone: 214-441-4114 Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org