The 2026 class members of the Ohio Valley Women of Impact are, from left, Crissy Clutter, Jan Pattinshall-Krupinski, Lacy Ferguson, Shelbie Smith, Jennifer Hall-Fawson and Laurie Conway. (Photo courtesy of Ruthylee Photography)

Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To kick off American Heart Month this February, six community leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact initiative to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD.

The Heart Association’s Woman of Impact program is rallying six 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.

The Woman of Impact class began their campaigns on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6. They will compete with nominees locally and across the nation to raise funds to advance the work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. As a woman ages, her risk for CVD changes. Still, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Go Red for Women is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and yet less than half of women are aware of this,” said Lauren Thomas, development director for the American Heart Association in West Virginia. “Woman of Impact nominees will bring Ohio Valley women together, educate them on their risks and inspire them to take charge of their heart, while encouraging others they know and love to do the same.

“Together, we can ensure every woman is heard and seen,” she added. “When it comes to their heart health, no one has to go it alone.”

Woman of Impact nominees will dedicate nine weeks to transforming the health of women in their communities through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Nominees also raise critical funds for the American Heart Association so that more women have an opportunity to live a longer and healthier life.

The Ohio Valley’s 2026 Woman of Impact Nominees are Crissy Clutter, Laurie Conway, Lacy Ferguson, Shelbie Smith, Jan Pattishall-Krupinski and Jennifer Hall-Fawson.

After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominee who raises the most lifesaving funds will be named the Ohio Valley 2026 Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, the woman who raised the most nationwide, will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.