The American Heart Association is leveraging American Heart Month this February to address a critical health projection through its Life is Why™ campaign. Research indicates that 61% of U.S. adults will develop some form of cardiovascular disease within the next three decades, creating an urgent need for proactive health initiatives. To combat this trend, the Association has partnered with a diverse group of national retailers who will invite customers to support the organization's mission through donations at checkout, both in-store and online.
Participating companies include AT&T, CVS Health, Kroger Health, and Orangetheory Fitness, with new retailers joining this year such as Chinese Laundry, Crayola Flowers, Reebok, and QVC. These contributions will directly support the Association's 2028 Impact Goal, which focuses on driving scientific breakthroughs and implementing solutions for healthier communities. Marsha Jones, 2023-2025 volunteer chairperson of the Board of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing cardiovascular health challenges.
The campaign will feature in-store signage and online banner ads that showcase personal stories of survival and strength while promoting healthy lifestyle habits. By supporting the Life is Why campaign through retailers like CVS Health and Kroger Health, consumers can contribute to the American Heart Association's century-long mission of improving cardiovascular health and reducing the prevalence of heart disease and stroke. The expansion to additional retailers increases the campaign's reach and potential impact across diverse communities.
This initiative represents a strategic approach to public health engagement during a designated awareness month, utilizing retail partnerships to facilitate both fundraising and education. The collaboration with fitness companies like Orangetheory Fitness and apparel brands including Reebok creates multiple touchpoints for consumer engagement with cardiovascular health messaging. The campaign's structure allows for direct consumer participation in supporting research and community health solutions through convenient donation mechanisms at point of purchase.
The timing of this campaign during American Heart Month amplifies its visibility and aligns with broader national conversations about cardiovascular health. With cardiovascular disease projected to affect the majority of American adults in coming decades, initiatives like the Life is Why campaign represent coordinated efforts to address this public health challenge through partnerships, awareness, and direct funding for scientific advancement and community health programs.
