The History of ‘Go Red for Women Day’

Did you know that the Heart Truth Campaign was launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) almost 20 years ago now, in 2002?

The first Go Red for Women Day, observed on the first Friday in February, was celebrated in 2004. These awareness-raising campaigns are directed toward not only the lay-public, but importantly, to healthcare providers also.

The overarching goal of these initiatives is to drive home the fact that cardiovascular disease is not just a man’s problem, but is also the leading cause of death in women. It is important for women to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease, and to engage in heart-healthy behaviors like avoiding tobacco, being physically active, and eating a heart-healthy diet.

Check out these vintage patient education materials, which are clearly targeted to men in suits. We sure have “come a long way!”

(Brochures courtesy of the American Heart Association, Akron, Ohio)