Sacramento lawyer wins national award for driving heart health

DALLAS, May 19, 2026 - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. For Sacramento-based attorney and community advocate Anh Phoong, that reality is deeply personal.

Phoong became a nominee for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Woman of Impact™ campaign to raise awareness about women's heart health and is now the 2026 National Woman of Impact™ Winner based on her efforts.

"I went on this journey because my mom survived a heart attack," Phoong said. "For so many women, that's not the outcome. This campaign was my way of honoring her - and reminding women that we have to take care of ourselves if we want to keep showing up for everyone else."

The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the Association's Go Red for Women movement, a nationwide initiative mobilizing communities to improve women's heart health. The honor recognizes Phoong's dedication and passion during the nine-week campaign.

Phoong led a team-driven effort, pulling together leaders from across Sacramento to build a group of more than 100 people who raised awareness, inspired healthier habits and supported critical funding for research, education and advocacy - all aimed at addressing the unique risks women face when it comes to CVD.

"This is what women supporting women really looks like," she said. "When we show up for each other, our impact is bigger."

The Woman of Impact campaign, launched annually on National Wear Red Day®, the first Friday in February, calls on changemakers across the country to lead grassroot efforts that improve heart health in their communities. Participants form Impact Teams to raise funds, educate others on cardiovascular risks and inspire meaningful lifestyle changes.

Nominees across the country reached thousands of people - encouraging simple but powerful actions like daily movement, healthier eating and stress management.

"It doesn't have to be complicated," Phoong said. "Go for a walk. Make better choices. Small habits add up. That's how we take control of our health."

As the 2026 National Woman of Impact Winner, Phoong joins a growing network of advocates working to close gaps in awareness, research and care for women. Despite progress, fewer than half of women recognize CVD as their greatest health threat, and women remain underrepresented in research and underserved in care.

"The Woman of Impact campaign brings the mission of Go Red for Women to life in communities across the country," said Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, an investment firm headquartered in Chicago. "Leaders like Phoong drive change by taking actions that help more women live longer, healthier lives."

For more information about the Woman of Impact campaign and the Go Red for Women movement, visit GoRedforWomen.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.

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:

Katie Kwapich: [email protected]

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

heart.org and stroke.org