Oklahoma City-area bank executive spearheads women’s heart health movement
OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 2, 2026 — As cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death for women in Oklahoma and across the nation, the American Heart Association-OKC is turning to local leadership to drive change. Shandy Belford, CEO of Arvest Bank’s central Oklahoma market, will serve as chair of the 2026 Oklahoma City Go Red for Women® movement, leading efforts to empower women to protect their health and close gaps in cardiovascular care, education and research.
The campaign will culminate in the 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon, slated for 11- a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 5, at the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall.
"My 'why' is simple: women are the foundation of healthy families, workplaces and communities," Belford said. "Go Red for Women encourages women to prioritize their health, understand their risks and advocate for themselves. If sharing my time, voice and resources can help save even one life, then it's time well spent."
Heart disease has touched Belford's family, making the mission especially personal. A wife, mother and business leader, she believes awareness, prevention and early detection can save lives. Through her role as chair, Belford hopes to encourage women to understand their risk factors, schedule preventive screenings and prioritize their health without guilt.
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[1]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
Belford sees education as one of the greatest opportunities to improve women's health outcomes. Throughout the campaign, she plans to engage community leaders, businesses and advocates in conversations about prevention, access to care and the importance of knowing personal health numbers and risk factors.
"Know your numbers. Know your risk. Know your worth," Belford said. "Women are often so busy caring for others that they delay caring for themselves. Heart disease is often preventable, and early detection can save lives."
“Shandy’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in Oklahoma City,” said Jill VanEgmond, executive director of American Heart Association-OKC.
The OKC Go Red for Women Luncheon is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and supported locally by OU Health. For more information, contact Sydney Ore at Sydney.Ore@heart.org or visit heart.org/oklahomacitygored.
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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.
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: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
