LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2023 — Six prominent women will help advance cardiovascular health and raise lifesaving funds to fight women’s leading health threat as part of the 2023 Los Angeles Woman of Impact class.

Each year a select group of individuals across the country are nominated by their peers to become an American Heart Association Woman of Impact because of their passion to make a difference in the community and raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular health.

The 2023 Los Angeles Woman of Impact nominees are:

  • Carolyn Barnes, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mind/Body Training and Hypnotherapy
  • Hannah G. Grossman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Valley Presbyterian Hospital
  • Jessica Davis, Director of People Operations and Talent, Forever 21
  • Loryn McGill, Professor and Speech Language Pathologist, OC Stuttering Center
  • Tammy Capretta, Chief Transformation and Risk Officer, Keck Medicine of USC
  • Vernetta Griffin, Director of Development, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute

“Cardiovascular disease remains our No. 1 killer so it’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same,” said Romilla Batra, MD, SCAN Health Plan Chief Medical Officer and the current chair of the Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement. “While we’ve made some great strides over the years, we still have a long way to go. For example, American Heart Association surveys have found younger generations of women — Gen Z and Millennials — are less likely than prior generations to be aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. We must raise our voices and make sure all women here in Los Angeles and everywhere know how to take steps now to protect our heart later.”

Cardiovascular disease claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined, and  Black and Hispanic women are disproportionately impacted. Women experience unique stages through their lives which affect both overall health and cardiovascular health including, pregnancy and menopause.

Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women movement, 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.

On National Wear Red Day, Feb. 3, 2023, hundreds of Woman of Impact nominees nationwide will embark on a 9-week journey to help transform the health of women. Each week, nominees and their impact teams, made up of friends and family members, participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting active, recruiting women to participate in research, and more. Nominees and their teams also raise critical funds for the Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement.

On April 6, 2023, the woman whose team has the highest number of impact points — awarded through a combination of fundraising and mission impact activities — is named the 2023 Los Angeles Woman of Impact Award Winner. The nominee with the most points nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact Award Winner.

“By using their influence, their local networks and their unique lived experiences, these volunteers are able to make a measurable difference in Los Angeles and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Batra. “Woman of Impact truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement, visit http://www2.heart.org/LAWOI.

 

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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 19 years, 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). 

  

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 nearly a century. Connect with us in Los Angeles on heart.org/losangeles, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or (213) 291-7000.

 

For media inquiries:

Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org, (213) 453-9277