National Wear Red Day is observed every year on the first Friday in February, raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging women’s heart health.
History of National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day was launched in 2003 by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as part of the broader “Go Red for Women” movement. The campaign was created in response to a troubling reality: heart disease was, and remains, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet awareness of this fact was surprisingly low for many years, with many people mistakenly associating heart disease primarily with men.
The color red was chosen deliberately, symbolizing both the heart itself and the urgency of the message. By encouraging people to wear red and share the reasoning behind it, the campaign aimed to spark conversations about heart health, risk factors, and prevention, particularly among women who may not realize they’re at risk.
How to Observe National Wear Red Day
- Wear red to show support for heart disease awareness
- Share heart health facts and resources on social media
- Schedule a checkup or health screening if you’re due for one
- Learn the warning signs of heart disease and heart attacks, which can present differently in women than men
- Support organizations like the American Heart Association through donations or volunteering
Fun Facts About National Wear Red Day
- National Wear Red Day was launched in 2003 by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
- Heart disease has long been the leading cause of death for women in the United States, more than all forms of cancer combined.
- Symptoms of a heart attack can present differently in women than in men, sometimes including subtler signs like fatigue, nausea, or jaw pain rather than classic chest pain.
- The “Go Red for Women” movement grew out of National Wear Red Day and has become a broader ongoing awareness campaign.
- Many landmarks and buildings across the country are lit up in red each year in observance of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Wear Red Day?
National Wear Red Day is observed on the first Friday in February each year.
Why was National Wear Red Day created?
It was created to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, a fact that historically received far less public attention than it deserved.
What organizations support National Wear Red Day?
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute are the primary organizations behind the observance and the broader “Go Red for Women” campaign.