February is the month when focus turns to the heart, and this year marks American Heart Month’s 57th annual nationwide event.

As individuals celebrate the New Year and work diligently on health goals and resolutions, organizations across America are preparing to launch a 28-day event that is likely to reach more households than ever this year. With many virtual programs and innovative engagement campaigns planned, the event is sure to touch the hearts and minds of millions; THI is honored to take part again in 2021.

On Friday February 5, 2021, Americans will proudly wear many different shades of red in honor of National Wear Red Day® in order to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke. The symbolic day is celebrated on the first Friday of February of every calendar year, uniting the country around life-saving programs and critical messages.

On National Wear Red Day® and throughout the month of February, organizations across the United States join forces in support of important research efforts aimed at understanding the progression of heart disease — efforts that underscore the ongoing critical need for the discovery of new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Since its founding in 1962, the Texas Heart Institute has supported these important national advocacy efforts and campaigns.

Proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on December 30, 1963, the first American Heart Month took place in February of 1964. The history of this federally-designated event and national tradition has since evolved into a story with many chapters authored by a host of different institutions — bolstered by endorsements from countless organizations — that resonates with every community in America.

As part of American Heart Month, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) — one of the largest components of the National Institutes of Health— sponsors National Wear Red Day® and the Heart Truth® campaign, a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease.

Annually, THI’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health supports the efforts of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® campaign and its fight to end heart disease and stroke in women by mentoring and developing heart ambassadors who go on to serve as speakers at AHA-sponsored events in order to share the latest medical and scientific updates with the community.

To amplify the voices of the over 48 million women in America living with some form of cardiovascular disease, THI Women’s Center community ambassadors share their stories. These inspirational women are committed to surviving for their families and loved ones and actively work to educate others in the community in order to raise awareness of the nuances of women’s heart health.

As a recipient of NIH NHLBI and AHA research funding, THI has helped to advance several fields of cardiovascular patient care.

Texas Heart Institute is committed to reinforcing the value of lifestyle modification and encourages prevention efforts as well as the adoption of programs established to reduce health care disparities and to advance the effectiveness of cardiac care. THI doctors, scientists, engineers, nurses, and staff members partner with organizations near and far in order to provide up-to-date resources and to educate community members of all ages.

Every year, Texas Heart Institute’s Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Stephanie Coulter — one of the most energetic and vocal advocates of this important mission — mobilizes a team of physician ambassadors, staff members, and volunteers to spread the word about the latest medical and scientific updates at numerous events organized by community partners.

Event Calendar