Centerpoint Health Nurse, Stacy Jones, RN, Recognized as 2026 Woman of Impact Nominee for the American Heart Association

Centerpoint Health is celebrating one of its own as Stacy Jones, RN, a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse at Centerpoint Health - Paris, has been nominated for the American Heart Association’s 2026 Woman of Impact campaign. The nomination, submitted by cardiologist Dr. Kelly Waespe, recognizes Jones’ dedication to heart‑health advocacy and her deep commitment to improving cardiovascular outcomes in the community.

Jones said she was “shocked” to learn she had been selected, calling the nomination “an honor coming from Dr. Waespe.” For her, the mission behind the Go Red for Women movement is personal. As a mother of two daughters, she hopes her work helps raise awareness about the unique cardiovascular risks women face throughout life, including pregnancy and menopause.

A longtime med‑surg nurse, Jones transitioned to cardiac rehabilitation several years ago—a move that reshaped both her professional focus and her personal health journey. “Educating my patients made me realize I needed to practice what I preach,” she said. Since then, she has incorporated regular exercise into her routine, adopted healthier eating habits and seen her resting heart rate drop significantly. “It has taken time, but the changes have made a real difference.”

Jones says her passion for advocacy comes from the relationships she builds with patients. “We get to know them, cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments. Our patients become our friends and the reason we love our jobs.”

Her Woman of Impact campaign aims to raise awareness about women’s heart health, encourage regular checkups and promote lifesaving skills such as hands‑only CPR. She also hopes to dispel common misconceptions, particularly the belief that heart disease is primarily an issue in men. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. Forty‑five percent of women age 20 and older have some form of cardiovascular disease,” she noted.

Jones and the Centerpoint Health – Paris team are planning community fundraising events, including a silent auction, and a pancake breakfast with Easter Bunny pictures. Early community response has been strong, with local businesses displaying campaign flyers and residents sharing her fundraising page online.

Centerpoint Health – Paris CEO Tommy Haggard praised Jones’ leadership and dedication. “Stacy embodies the compassion, dedication and excellence that define Centerpoint Health – Paris. Her commitment to improving heart health in our community—both through her clinical work and her advocacy—makes her an extraordinary representative for the Woman of Impact campaign,” Haggard said.

Jones hopes her efforts will leave a lasting impact. “If this campaign helps even one person make a heart‑healthy change, then it’s worth it,” she said. “So much of cardiovascular disease is preventable. Small steps—eating well, moving more, managing stress, and monitoring blood pressure—can save lives.”

The Woman of Impact campaign runs through April 9, and she is encouraging the community to support her efforts by donating or sharing her campaign page. Funds raised will help the American Heart Association advance women‑focused cardiovascular research, expand professional education, improve evidence‑based care and strengthen community programs that prevent heart disease and stroke. Jones is also sharing resources, including a hands‑only CPR instructional video, noting that “you never know when you or a loved one will need it.”

Her campaign page and educational materials are available online for anyone wishing to contribute or get involved. nclvm.com/efex2