February is the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day, reminding those we love how much they mean to us. It is also the month that The American Heart Association celebrates Heart Month to acknowledge, remember, and honor those who have experienced heart disease or stroke.
The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association devoted to bringing awareness and education to the public about strokes and stroke prevention.
“One thing that really sets the American Heart Association apart in Colorado is how deeply committed we are to shaping policies that make everyday life healthier for everyone,” says Lyndsey Albright, Denver’s marketing and communications director. “It’s not just about research and education. It’s about creating lasting change in the places where people live, learn and work.”
The American Heart Association offers CPR and first aid classes. Affiliated with authorized, area training centers and instructors to provide in-person classroom training sessions, it’s simple to find, schedule, and register for a class. Classes focused on CPR, first aid, and cardiovascular emergency care can help prepare others to save a life.
The American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Ball is held each February. A formal occasion, the ball highlights survivor stories and AHA achievements while focusing on upcoming opportunities and goals. “The Denver Heart Ball gives people a real sense of how the American Heart Association and the Colorado community move forward together. It’s more than an evening of celebration. It’s a chance to bring our mission to life through powerful storytelling that shows what heart disease and stroke look like in real families,” says Albright.
Events and volunteer opportunities give people a real way to plug into the mission of the American Heart Association and be part of something meaningful. “What makes the work in Colorado so special is that there truly is something for everyone,” explains Albright. “Whether someone loves being active at a Heart Walk, feels inspired by Go Red for Women, wants to support youth programs, or prefers to volunteer behind the scenes at a community health event, the American Heart Association creates experiences that meet people where they are.”
There are as many ways to volunteer as there are to give. “Opportunities spark conversations, build relationships, and remind people that improving heart health isn’t just a national effort, it’s a community one,” emphasizes Albright. “Through our Heart Powered grassroots network, we collaborate with passionate local advocates who help bring health and hope to communities across the state.”
To learn more, please visit the American Heart Association’s website at cpr.heart.org.