RICHMOND, Va., April 22, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two local health advocates have successfully channeled their energy and passion to build a healthier Central Virginia

and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization. Olivia Jones is the 2026 Central Virginia Woman of Impact winner. Hannah Wood has been named this year’s 2026 Central Virginia Teen of Impact winner. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Central Virginia nominees made an impact on more than 2,000 people by educating hundreds in CPR, sharing the importance of both mental and physical heart health and inspiring communities to take action. Together, they raised nearly $235,000 to support the vital, lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

Jones’ journey began when she lost her son to a congenital heart defect. Through her Woman of Impact campaign, she championed education, CPR training and community engagement, empowering women across Central Virginia to prioritize their own heart health while supporting the families and caregivers who do so much for others.

“Losing my son taught me not to take a single day or a single heartbeat for granted,” said Jones. “Over the years, both in my personal life and in my career in healthcare, I’ve seen just how many lives are impacted by heart disease. It doesn’t discriminate. That’s why this mission is so important to me.”

The 2026 Teen of Impact campaign winner, Hannah Wood, a Henrico County sophomore, started this campaign to raise awareness about women’s heart health. Women’s heart health matters to her because learning how often heart disease is overlooked in women changed how she views her own well-being. As a Teen of Impact, she is committed to raising awareness and empowering young women to protect their futures.

Ten nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Central Virginia. Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

Jones and Wood are two of nearly 200 other community-level Women and Teen of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for the national recognition. The national winners from each campaign will be named on May 20, 2026.

“Changemakers like Olivia, Hannah and all of our nominees are making a lasting impact in Central Virginia,” said Rich Reinecke, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association – Central Virginia and co-managing partner at Fahrenheit Advisors. “Together, we have the power to fund more lifesaving research and educate women and teens on how they can take steps now to protect their hearts to help create a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”

Local Woman of Impact nominees included:

  • Jay Ell Alexander
  • Olivia Jones
  • Terri Page
  • Alisha Pope
  • Ashley Williams Hillman
  • Brittanie Vogen

Local Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Jaslene Alvarez
  • Shawn Hill
  • Arlinda Sahitolli
  • Hannah Wood

This year’s Woman of Impact campaign was locally sponsored by Care Advantage. To learn more about the Heart Association in Central Virginia, visit heart.org/Virginia.

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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 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:

Audry Dubon: audry.dubon@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org