Midwest Celebrates Heart Month

States across the Midwest went all out celebrating Heart Month this February. Through hands-only CPR demonstrations, statewide ‘Go Red’ illumination events, and bold awareness campaigns, lawmakers helped elevate cardiovascular health as a policy priority and reinforced the urgent need for sustained legislative action to improve heart health across the region.

Illinois

On February 25th, the Illinois legislature had their Wear Red Day to support awareness of women’s heart health. We saw amazing participation across all four legislative caucuses, and an incredible amount of social media engagement from leaders such as Senate President Don Harmon.

The Chicago Mayor and City Council Members, as well as the Cook County Board of Commissioners proclaimed February 2026 as American Heart Month

Indiana

Councilors John Barth, Ron Gibson, and Rena Allen presented us with a Resolution recognizing Heart Month and Wear Red Day. It was wonderful to hear every member of the Indianapolis City-County Council vote unanimously to celebrate the work of the AHA, AEDs and Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, Bystander CPR, and Go Red for Women.

Kansas

Legislative Wear Red Day at the Capitol! On February 5th, Kansas lawmakers, advocates, and families came together at the State Capitol to kick-off American Heart Month. Legislators wore red in support of heart health and participated in a hands-only CPR demonstration, highlighting how lifesaving skills and smart policy can save lives.

Kansas leaders also recognized American Heart Month with a Senate proclamation. Watch it here (17:14 mark)

The City of Wichita- Government presented the American Heart Association with an American Heart Month Proclamation for the month of February! ❤️

Our Kansas Advocacy Committee Chair, Michelle Vann and Senior Development Director, Heather Smart accepted the proclamation from Mayor Lily Wu!

Michigan

Michigan celebrated Heart Month with a proclamation introduced once again by Representative Rogers, a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association.  We were also joined by Minority Leader Puri, Rachel Mumby of the Heart Foundation and A’lynne Dukes.

Just a week later, Rep. Puri introduced a separate resolution recognizing SCAD awareness, highlighting the critical need for increased education and research. His wife survived a heart attack days after giving birth. Watch the speech here.

Lawmakers also gathered at the State House for Wear Red Day, which saw an impressive bipartisan turnout.

 

Missouri

State legislators from across Missouri gathered at the Capitol to celebrate Go Red Day, highlighting their commitment to raising awareness about women’s heart health and supporting ongoing advocacy efforts.

State Advocacy Committee members Kaala Berry, Dan Martin, Dr. Deepa Mokshagundam, and Megan Jensen joined Representative Sherri Gallick on February 25 for the presentation of the Missouri House Heart Month Proclamation. Representative Gallick championed last year’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plans bill, making this moment especially meaningful for our volunteers and advocacy team.