Florence Chang named as chair of the American Heart Association’s 2026 Puget Sound Go Red for Women movement
SEATTLE, Thurs. Nov. 20, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Washington and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart and brain health. Leading that effort locally is Florence Chang, president of MultiCare Health System, who is serving as the 2026 chair of the Puget Sound’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“Ensuring all women have access to information that supports their health is a priority for me,” said Chang. “As women age and experience life changes, their risk for cardiovascular disease evolves. Go Red for Women encourages us to take charge of our health. Do your research, ask questions, share concerns and advocate for care. When women have the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve, they thrive.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support. To help build community and share the stories of local individuals who have been impacted, the region will announce a 2026 class of Washington Go Red for Women ambassadors in January, including Chang, who will serve as messengers during the campaign. The campaign’s focus will be to encourage individuals to prioritize their health by learning their critical health numbers to gain a better understanding of their risk and any steps they may need to employ to reduce risk.
Supporting Chang in her leadership role are members of the Puget Sound Women’s Health Council, local executives who are dedicated to furthering the Go Red for Women movement in Washington. These members include:
- Agatha Constance, Hinge Health, MultiCare Health Foundation
- Jenn Deenihan, Radiant Global Logistics
- Lindsay Harris, Regence BlueShield
- Lisa Hornschemeier, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
- Deanna King, T-Mobile
- Uma Krishnan, M.D., MultiCare’s Pulse Heart Institute
- Leslie Lorenz, Snowflake, Inc.
- Brenda Young, Slalom
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements with the American Heart Association on March 5 at the 2026 Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience which will take place at 4105 in Seattle. The event will feature a welcome reception, dinner program, an inspiring story of survival and the opportunity to support the Go Red for Women movement into the future.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience is locally sponsored by MultiCare Health System, T-Mobile and Cambia Health Foundation. For sponsorships or to purchase a table at the 2026 Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience, contact Chontelle Mackner at Chontelle.Mackner@heart.org.
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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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:
Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org
Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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