Title
To Recognize Cardiovascular Disease as the World’s Leading Cause of Death and to Support the Recognition of Friday, February 6, 2026, as “National Wear Red Day” and February as “American Heart Month”
Body
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of one in every three women each year, surpassing all forms of cancer combined; and
WHEREAS, among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the United States have optimal cardiovascular health; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. and stroke is also a major threat to women’s health, as women are more likely than men to experience a stroke, more likely to die from one, and more likely to suffer long-term disability; and
WHEREAS, women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim; and
WHEREAS, most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure; and
WHEREAS, since 2004, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease, and continues to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, does hereby proclaim Friday, February 6, 2026, to be National Wear Red Day® and the month of February to be American Heart Month in Columbus, Ohio and urges all residents to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day by wearing the color red.