Press Release
First Coast American Heart Association
February 27, 2021
February been federally designated American Heart Month every year since President Lyndon B. Johnson’s official declaration in 1964. On the first Friday of each February, the nation comes together on National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease by igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors, neighborhoods to online communities; this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.
Last year, the First Coast American Heart Association captured the largest National Wear Red Day photo ever taken, with more than 1,000 people assembled in the shape of a heart along the St. John’s River outside the Black Knight and FIS headquarters. Although that photo didn’t face any competition this year, the support from the First Coast community was no less conspicuous in 2021.
Landmarks in downtown Jacksonville, including the Acosta Bridge and Florida Blue, helped turned the city red on February 5th. Meanwhile, dozens of local companies took group photos of their employees wearing red, on Zoom calls and in person wearing masks, to show their support for the American Heart Association. Anchors, reporters and producers broadcast their support as well, posting photos on social media and highlighting survivors and volunteers on air throughout the day.
“We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the American Heart Association from our First Coast community,” said Amber Wilson, executive director of the First Coast American Heart Association. “National Wear Red Day served as another powerful reminder of what our community can do when we come together. This February has been truly a month to remember.”