Follow and join the conversation with #AmericanHeartMonth, #lifeiswhy and #GoRedForWomen.

In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson wrote and signed a Proclamation naming February “American Heart Month.”  Having survived a heart attack himself, LBJ appreciated the urgency for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.  In the document Johnson decreed that all future presidents would issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.  And so it began.

About the American Heart Association
In the mid- and late- 1940s, prior to Johnson’s proclamation, The American Heart Association (@American_Heart) began sponsoring “National Heart Month” and was the lead fundraising organization for cardiovascular research at the time.  The AHA continues to lead the fight today.  Their mission statement is: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Since it’s inception in 1924 the organization has raised billions for the cause and has funded numerous lifesaving advancements such as the “first artificial heart valve, cholesterol-inhibiting drugs, heart transplantation, and CPR techniques and guidelines.”  Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the world and The American Heart Association is dedicated to making people understand the threat and know that cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable.

Life Is Why campaign
In August 2014 The American Heart Association unveiled it’s #lifeiswhy campaign which focuses on the message “Everyone has a reason to live a healthier, longer life.  What’s yours?” This multi million dollar campaign was created by the AHA “to make a more personal connection with the public, volunteers, employees and partners.”  In order to become more relevant for today’s consumer and make this connection, there is a focus on social media within the campaign.  Consumers can visit a microsite where they can use the toolkit to personalize and share their personal “Whys.”  There is even a shop on the site where consumers can create and purchase a t-shirt displaying their personal “Why.”

Save the Date
February 5, 2016 – Wear red and celebrate National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Visit www.goredforwomen.org for more information.

Get Involved 
To celebrate American Heart Month 2016 at your organization, visit healthfinder.gov and access their toolkit sponsored by The American Heart Association.  There you will find and can download a wealth of promotional material provided by the AHA and the government with ideas on ways to spread awareness and support those with heart disease.