Mark your Calendar! Special Events During February, Heart Month

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States dies of heart disease – about 2,150 deaths each day. In North Dakota, more than 1,600 people die of heart disease and stroke each year. However, 80 percent of those deaths could be prevented.

The North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Medical Systems has teamed with the American Heart Association during February, which is American Heart Month, to help raise awareness of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, educate North Dakotans about preventing heart disease and stroke, and promote the Cardiac Ready Communities project.

During American Heart Month, several events will take place across North Dakota to help raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.  

Fargo Go Red For Women Luncheon: On Tuesday, February 2, hundreds of women (and men) will gather for the Fargo Go Red For Women Luncheon at the Sanctuary Events Center. The event will feature survivor stories and inspirational and educational speakers. The Go Red For Women Luncheon also raises funds for women-specific research, advocacy, and education.

National Wear Red Day: Friday, February 3^rd is National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to wear red to help raise awareness that heart disease and stroke are the #1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. For more information about National Wear Red Day visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Day of Hearts at the Capitol: On Tuesday, February 14, dozens of North Dakotans will visit the Capitol to advocate for heart disease and stroke-related causes. The event will include a legislative briefing and opportunity to greet legislators on Monday evening, February 13th, Governor's Proclamation, cardiac and stroke booth information, a lunch for legislators and House/Senate floor recognition.  More information in the days ahead!

The Cardiac Ready Communities project is a partnership of the North Dakota Department of Health’s Davison of EMS & Trauma and the American Heart Association through the North Dakota Cardiac System of Care. The program is designed to promote survival from a cardiac events, such as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), that occurs outside of the hospital. Communities in other states that have done similar projects have seen their survivor rates of cardiac arrest increase dramatically. For more information on the Cardiac Ready Communities project, visit the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of EMS & Trauma website at www.health.nd.gov.