by Cyd King
Region Communications Marketing Director
American Heart Association
In the heart of East Texas, a group of women is proving that philanthropy doesn’t have to be distant or abstract. The Tyler Circle of Red’s “Boots on the Ground” initiative is a hands-on, community-first campaign that’s changing the way heart health advocacy is done by meeting people where they are and responding to real needs in real time.
Launched in 2024, Boots on the Ground was born from a desire to extend the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women mission beyond the ballroom and into the neighborhoods of Tyler and surrounding communities. What began as a one-time effort has quickly grown into an annual movement focused on sustainable, locally driven impact.
“Our goal was to take action, not just raise awareness,” said Kristen Brice, co-chair of the inaugural campaign alongside Sandra Tovar. “We wanted to be boots on the ground, not just voices in the room.”
In January, the Tyler Circle of Red awarded a $15,000 grant to Bethesda Health Clinic, a nonprofit medical ministry serving uninsured adults in East Texas. The funds were used to purchase blood pressure monitors and essential cardiology equipment, directly enhancing the clinic’s ability to detect and manage hypertension, a leading risk factor for heart disease.
“We are extremely grateful to the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red for their generous support,” said Dr. John English, CEO of Bethesda Health Clinic. “This grant significantly enhances our ability to serve our patients and improve heart health outcomes in our community.”
Founded in 2003, Bethesda Health Clinic has long provided affordable, high-quality healthcare for hard-working, underserved families in East Texas, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to essential care. Its chronic disease program plays a vital role in preventing and treating heart disease, which remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.
The 2024 Boots on the Ground culminated in a celebration at The Lone Oak in Tyler, where Circle of Red members gathered to honor their impact and announce the grant. The evening featured remarks from Dr. English and highlighted the power of women-led philanthropy in transforming lives.
The 2025 Boots on the Ground campaign kicks off on World Heart Day, September 29th, with a celebration later this fall. Funds will go toward “Libraries with Heart,” a pilot program that will transform public libraries into year-round hubs for cardiovascular education and prevention.
Expected to debut locally in the spring of 2026, the Libraries with Heart health hub will connect clinic to community through a hypertension referral system and offer self-monitoring blood pressure kits for checkout.
Families will have access to bilingual resources on hypertension, maternal health, nutrition, and everyday wellness. Children can participate in healthy habit activities and community literacy programs designed to promote lifelong well-being.
Built to meet people where they are, especially in rural and underserved areas, the initiative is designed to grow annually through Circle of Red fundraising. Future phases aim to expand community wellness programming and introduce reservable rooms for telehealth access and support services for parents pursuing higher education and career advancement.
“This is about more than just raising money,” said Laurie Lehnhof–Watts, the 2025 Circle of Red co-chair. “It’s about creating sustainable, community-led solutions that empower people to take control of their health.”
The Tyler Circle of Red is composed of women leaders who advocate, volunteer, and fundraise to improve heart health outcomes. Their work goes far beyond annual events. Members are actively involved in initiatives such as:
• CPR in Schools: Promoting hands-only
CPR training across school campuses
• Cardiac Emergency Response Planning:
Supporting lifesaving protocols in
school districts
• AED Registry Integration: Partnering
with local agencies to build a registry
tied to 911 dispatch systems
• Survivor Storytelling: Amplifying real
stories to inspire and educate
• Community Health Activations:
Bringing resources directly to
neighborhoods and families
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to health equity and access, the core tenets of the American Heart Association’s mission. By listening to community members, healthcare providers, and local organizations, the Tyler Circle of Red identifies pressing needs and responds with targeted, mission-aligned support.
“Our selection process for beneficiaries is rooted in engagement,” said Chantelle Ballard, community impact director for the American Heart Association in East Texas. “We don’t just fund projects; we invest in solutions that make a lasting difference.”
Looking ahead, the group will host its annual Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 1, 2026, at Willow Brook Country Club. Brice and Tovar are serving as co-chairs of the local movement.
As the Tyler Circle of Red continues to grow, so does its impact. With boots firmly planted in the community and hearts committed to change, these women are proving that when passion meets purpose, lives are saved.
For more information or to get involved, contact Devon Churchill at devon.churchill@heart.org.