American Heart Month
Nurturing the vital organ that sustains our existence, ensuring its enduring strength and well-being for a long and fulfilling life.
Leverage February's heart health focus to drive engagement around fitness memberships, heart-healthy food products, wellness services, and CPR training while positioning your brand as a partner in preventive health.
- Red outfit selfie challenge tied to product launches (activewear, healthy snacks)
- Partner with local gyms/fitness centers on walkathon sponsorships and fitness challenges
- Heart-healthy recipe content series featuring your food/beverage products with nutritional benefits
- CPR training promotion and wellness workshop series positioning your brand as a health advocate
Notable campaigns6
- CVS Health (2025): National sponsor of Go Red for Women movement; activates employees and customers during Heart Month with in-store campaigns and cause messaging.
- AT&T (2023): Partnered with American Heart Association 'Life is Why' campaign to support point-of-sale donations and survivor storytelling in-store and online.
- Walgreens (2023): Participated in 'Life is Why' campaign with in-store signage, online banner ads featuring survivor stories, and donation prompts at checkout.
- Orangetheory Fitness (2023): Joined 'Life is Why' campaign to invite customers to donate at point of purchase while promoting active, heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Huntington Memorial Hospital (2014): Replaced traditional newborn caps with red ones during Heart Month to raise awareness of women's heart health, distributed AHA resources to new families.
- Easton Hospital (2014): Hosted heart health demonstrations and free health screenings every Saturday in February at local farmers market, gave away pedometers and AHA recipe cards.
Campaign ideas8
- Partner with local retailers for point-of-purchase donation campaigns (like 'Life is Why') at checkout, with in-store signage featuring survivor stories
- Activate National Wear Red Day (first Friday in February) with employee dress codes, social media contests, and branded merchandise giveaways
- Host free community health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) at farmers markets or community venues, pairing with heart-healthy giveaways like pedometers
- Launch a workplace wellness challenge featuring step counts, heart-healthy recipe swaps, or stress-management challenges using branded wearables and activity trackers
- Create Valentine's + Heart Month tie-in campaigns with heart-shaped stress relievers, red tumblers, or custom apparel bundled with health education materials
- Host expert-led webinars or Q&A sessions with cardiologists on live social media to answer audience questions about heart health prevention
- Develop a 30-day social media content calendar combining facts, recipes, workouts, stress-relief tips, and patient/survivor testimonials to sustain engagement
- Establish a cause-marketing partnership with local nonprofits and donate % of sales to American Heart Association, co-branded for greater community impact
Social angles6
- Your why matters. This #HeartMonth, share what you're doing for YOUR heart health. #AmericanHeartMonth #OurHearts #LifeIsWhy
- Did you know cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women? We're going RED today for #WearRedDay to spread awareness. Will you join us? #GoRedForWomen #WearRedDay
- Stop the silence. Learn CPR, know your numbers, and empower the women in your life. #HeartMonth starts NOW. #GoRedForWomen #WearRedDay
- Progress, not perfection. Small steps today = bigger heart health tomorrow. Join our 150-minute movement challenge this February. #AmericanHeartMonth #HeartHealthMatters
- Hearts come in all shapes, ages, and stories. Meet the survivors changing the conversation about women's heart health. #GoRedForWomen #HeartMonth
- Take the stress out of heart health: yoga, walking, breathing exercises. Your heart (and mind) will thank you. #AmericanHeartMonth #SelfCareForYourHeart
Ad copy starters5
“Your Heart Matters. This February, discover 3 ways to protect it. Free heart screenings + expert tips inside.—Learn more”
“One in three women dies from heart disease. It's time we talked about it. #WearRedDay 2/7. Get your red gear now.”
“February is Heart Month. Wear red. Share why. Save lives. Join thousands going red for women's heart health.”
“Small changes, big impact. 150 minutes of movement. Heart-healthy meals. One month to start. #AmericanHeartMonth”
“What's your 'why'? This Heart Month, we're raising awareness + funds for cardiac research. Donate at checkout and feel the difference.”
Tips4
- DO tie Heart Month to National Wear Red Day (first Friday in February) and the 'Go Red for Women' movement for maximum awareness leverage and brand visibility.
- DON'T just promote prevention—celebrate survivors. Share real patient stories and testimonials; they emotionally resonate far more than statistics alone.
- DO incorporate point-of-purchase or workplace partnerships; Heart Month campaigns that make donating/engaging convenient (at checkout, via email) see higher participation.
- DON'T limit engagement to February. Heart health is year-round; use Heart Month to launch sustained content calendars that carry through the year.
National Heart Healthy Month began in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation after Congress requested an annual declaration. This initiative aimed to spotlight heart disease, which affects millions of Americans every year.
President Johnson, having experienced a heart attack himself, recognized the need for greater awareness and preventive measures against heart disease.
Each February, organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute join forces to promote heart health and educate the public on ways to reduce cardiovascular risks.
The month-long event encourages people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Activities include promoting physical exercise, healthy eating, and regular medical check-ups. These efforts aim to reduce heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, and improve overall public health!
Get Moving
Join a local walkathon or fun run. Nothing beats a brisk walk or jog in the fresh air! Organizers often plan these events to raise heart health awareness. Grab your sneakers, bring friends, and make it a social event!
Cook a Heart-Healthy Feast
Try new recipes packed with veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Challenge friends to a heart-healthy cook-off. Swap your favorite recipes and share the delicious results on social media. Cooking can be fun and nutritious!
Wear Red with Pride
Show your support by wearing red. Join in on National Wear Red Day to raise awareness. Post a selfie in your red outfit to spread the word. Encourage others to join in the colorful cause!
Learn CPR
Sign up for a CPR class. Knowing how to save a life is an incredible skill. The American Red Cross offers classes regularly. It’s a great way to feel empowered and help others.
Host a Heart-Healthy Party
Throw a heart-themed party. Serve healthy snacks, play games, and share heart health tips. Invite a local health expert to give a short talk. Make it fun, educational, and memorable for everyone.
Volunteer Time
Volunteer with organizations that focus on heart health. Help out at events or distribute educational materials. Your time and effort can make a big difference. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people.
Start a Fitness Challenge
Kick off a fitness challenge with friends or coworkers. Set goals, track progress, and celebrate milestones together. Staying active is easier with a support system. Keep it light, fun, and full of encouragement.
Spread the Word
Use social media to share heart health facts. Post daily tips or fun challenges. Engage with your followers by asking them to share their heart-healthy habits. The more people know the healthier everyone can be!