Longtime American Heart Association-Tulsa volunteer leader heads up local movement to improve women’s heart health

TULSA, July 22, 2024 – American Heart Association-Tulsa board member Tara Mundell is  executive volunteer chairperson of the 2023-24 Tulsa Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

This year’s Tulsa Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Sept. 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa Downtown.

Mundell, managing director at CBIZ Risk and Advisory Services, has been on the American Heart Association-Tulsa board of directors since 2017 and served as chairperson from 2019-2022. She has also served on the executive leadership team for the Go Red for Women Luncheon since 2016 and has been a member of the Tulsa Circle of Red for a decade. She got her start as an Association volunteer with the Tulsa Heart Walk in 2005.

Mundell has seen firsthand the effect cardiovascular disease can have on a family.

“I lost three grandparents and an uncle at way too young of age from heart related events,” she said. “I personally manage higher risk factors through lifestyle choices.”

According to the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD[1]. Heart disease and stroke continue to be Tulsa women’s greatest health threat.

Research shows that women comprised less than 40% of cardiovascular clinical trials. The signs of heart attack are different for women, and women are about 14% less likely to receive CPR than men.

“I am passionate about being part of an organization focused on women’s health, eliminating these disparities and building a culture of health in all of our communities,” Mundell said.

“Tara’s passion for our mission and leadership will make a notable impact on the lives of women in the Tulsa community and the families that depend on them,” said Michael Elder, American Heart Association-Tulsa volunteer board chairman and executive director at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Go Red for Women, now in its 20^th year, is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Tulsa Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by the Bama Foundation, Capital Advisors Inc., CBIZ Risk and Advisory Services, Cherokee Nation Business, J.P. Morgan Chase, Tara & Darren Mundell and Williams. Second Century sponsors are Saint Francis Health System and Spirit AeroSystems. Media support is from Fox 23, Mix 96.5 and Oklahoma Magazine. For more information contact Mallie.Reuter@heart.org or go to heart.org/TulsaGoRed.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. 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

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org