Heart disease is still the number one killer of women, in the United States. This year the American Heart Association (AHA) will celebrate 10 years of its National Wear Red Day campaign.  Macy’s, the campaign’s founding national sponsor, has to date raised $46 million for the cause through the sale of select red dresses and its “Red Dress” pins. The corporation also sponsors a scholarship fund for racially and ethnically diverse women studying to be healthcare professionals.  The urgent need for a multicultural workforce is apparent considering African-American women are twice as likely as their Caucasian counterparts to suffer a stroke, and that heart disease normally strikes Hispanic women 10 years before non-Hispanics.  Raising awareness is often the best method for disease reduction, but especially so in medically underserved populations.

Centra urges all of its clients and candidates to wear something red on February 7, 2014, there are even red scrubs! In addition consider joining forces with your colleagues to show your support in other ways:

♥ Hold a Fundraiser:  Whether it is a bake sale, cookbook or auction the AHA has downloadable PR resources, including setting up an online fundraiser page. These are guaranteed to make your event a success!

♥ Community Involvement:  Each year, some of the more iconic buildings and landmarks across this nation light up in red for women’s heart health. At last count, over 2000 participate, but you can do your part to increase that number, by urging your municipalities and workplaces to get involved in this way.

♥ Pay It Forward:  Encourage your patients and your coworkers/friends to take the AHA’s “Go Red Heart Checkup”.  Challenge other communities to raise awareness by sharing photos of your events on the organization’s Facebook page.

Do you have a special event planned for National Wear Red Day?  Let us know on our Facebook page.  Are you a PT , PTA, OT, COTA, NP, or RN interested in cardiac care?  Centra will get to the ♥ of all your employment needs!  Call us at 800 535 0076 or download our mobile app.