Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
Raising awareness about a condition that affects many lives, reminding us of the strength within every heartbeat.
Position your health/wellness brand as a champion of CHD awareness through community-driven storytelling, fundraising events, and heart-healthy product tie-ins that resonate with affected families and health-conscious consumers.
- Share survivor stories and personal CHD journeys using #CHDAwareness to build emotional connection
- Host or sponsor a charity run/walk event that combines fitness, community, and fundraising for CHD research
- Create heart-healthy recipe content or product bundles aligned with potluck celebration themes
- Launch a 'Rock Your Scar' campaign celebrating resilience and body positivity among CHD survivors
Sponsored by the American Heart Association, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week encourages people to learn about congenital heart defects. Other organizations, including Mended Hearts and the American College of Cardiology, promote this cause.
The event was first celebrated in 1999, started through the efforts of Jeanne Imperati who wanted to recognize CHD with a dedicated event. She, along with many mothers, pushed for governors to declare February 14 as CHD Awareness Day. Their hard work paid off, and this initiative expanded over the years to include an entire week!
Bringing awareness to these conditions helps people further understand their risk for heart defects. It also helps that people take part in researching about congenital heart defects.
According to the Center for Disease Control, congenital heart defects affect approximately one in 100 births every year in the United States. And an estimated 1.4 million adults in the United States are living with a CHD.
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week honors those born with heart defects and recognizes health researchers and those who care for them.
Host a Heart-Healthy Potluck
Invite friends for a delightful, heart-healthy potluck. Encourage everyone to bring dishes rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Offer fun facts about heart health as conversation starters. Use heart-shaped decorations to keep the theme alive.
Share Personal Stories
Everyone loves a good story. Collect and share inspiring CHD survivor stories on social media. Use hashtags like #CHDAwareness to reach a wider audience. A powerful story can touch hearts and spread awareness far and wide.
Organize a Charity Run
Plan a local charity run or walk. Gather your community for a fun day of exercise while raising funds for CHD research. Decorate the route with heart-themed signs. Don’t forget to offer heart-shaped medals for participants!
Rock Your Scar
Celebrate scars with pride! Encourage people to share photos of their CHD scars online. Use fun hashtags to join the global conversation. Create a photo contest to engage your community and raise awareness.
Crafty Kids Corner
Host a crafting event for kids. Make heart-themed crafts like cards, decorations, or even small art projects. Display the artwork in local libraries or community centers. It’s a creative way to involve children and educate them about CHD.