From City Halls to State Chambers: Ohio Goes Red for Heart Month 2026

Across Ohio this February, communities, city leaders, survivors, and advocates came together to honor American Heart Month and elevate the urgent message of heart‑health awareness. From city hall proclamations to inspiring survivor stories, each event underscored a shared commitment: empowering Ohioans with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to prevent heart disease and save lives.

COLUMBUS – 1/26/26:

Columbus City Council held its Heart Month 2026 recognition virtually on January 26, 2026. Representing the American Heart Association were Sarah Lewis, Senior Development Director for the Association, and Max Dixon, a local heart survivor.

Max shared her experience from New Year’s Day 2024, when she woke up with a racing heart. A week later, dizziness and blackouts made it clear she could no longer “push through”. What Max believed was anxiety turned out to be a previously undetected congenital condition called left ventricular non compaction cardiomyopathy. She was not even 40 and already in congestive heart failure.

Today, Max is no longer in heart failure. Her message to the Columbus City Council: Women’s symptoms are too often silenced—by the healthcare system and by women themselves. Her recovery underscores that listening to one’s body is not merely self-care; it is a lifesaving act.

CINCINNATI – 2/6/26:

The AHA team and Cincinnati City Council enjoyed a wonderfully snowy day at City Hall as Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney proclaimed February 6, 2026 #NationalWearRedDay in Cincinnati. Greater Cincinnati Board Chair, Mark Carter of Cintas Corporation addressed the group and presented a Heart Saver Hero Award to Emily Martin who saved her husband’s life by administering Hands-Only CPR.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and celebrated the beginning of American Heart Month! #cincygored

CLEVELAND – 2/6/26:

On Friday, February 6, 2026, the City of Cleveland proudly presented a proclamation to the American Heart Association in recognition of National Wear Red Day and its vital message of heart‑health awareness.

During the city’s heart health fair, Dr. David Margolius, Cleveland’s Director of Public Health, shared the proclamation with members of the Greater Cleveland American Heart Association, reinforcing the city’s dedication to improving community wellness.

Together, the American Heart Association and the City of Cleveland remain committed to educating residents about their risk for heart disease and stroke and to building a healthier, stronger community for all.

AKRON – 2/12/26:

On Thursday, Feb. 12th at the American Heart Association’s Akron/Canton Go Red for Women luncheon, Mayor Shammas Malik’s Office formally issued a proclamation declaring February as Heart Month in the City of Akron. This recognition underscores the importance of the community learning CPR in the ongoing fight against the No. 1 killer in Northeast Ohio: Heart disease.

TOLEDO – 2/12/26:

Toledo City Council President Vanice Williams presented a proclamation on behalf of the Toledo City Council declaring February American Heart Month in the City of Toledo. Ashley Tehensky accepted the proclamation on behalf of the American Heart Association – Toledo. This presentation took place in front of nearly 500 people at the Toledo Go Red for Women Luncheon.

OHIO HOUSE AND SENATE – 2/18/26:

On February 18, the Ohio House and Senate officially recognized February as American Heart Month, underscored by special resolutions presented on the chamber floors. Health Committee Chairs, Senator Steve Huffman and Representative Jean Schmidt, led the effort, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and preventative care to combat heart disease across the state.

These resolutions serve as a vital reminder that heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Ohio, affecting roughly one in five lives. By prioritizing education and early detection, our state leaders are working to build a healthier, more heart-conscious future for every Ohioan.

DAYTON – 2/19/26:

The local fight against heart disease took center stage at the Dayton American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon, where over 150 community members gathered to support women’s cardiovascular health. During the event, Kameron Anderson of Dayton Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss’s staff presented a formal resolution officially recognizing Heart Month on behalf of the city. This powerful gathering highlighted Dayton’s commitment to raising awareness, fostering education, and empowering women to take charge of their heart health.

Thank you to our incredible advocates across the state for all your support during Heart Month! Together, we are uniting to change the future of health.