February is Heart Month, and we’re not just talking about the candy kind. With Valentine’s Day having recently passed, February is certainly the month of love and all things heart-related. But it is also important to take the time to think about your own heart health, too. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and according to the CDC, one American dies from cardiovascular disease every 37 seconds.
February is officially coined Heart Month and it is the perfect time to learn more about heart health, give back to those in the community with heart conditions by funding organizations that help support them in their lives and advocate for their care. Whether you have known someone close to you who has lost their life to a heart-related disease or just want to become better educated or give back to an organization that supports heart patients and their families locally, here is a list of great organizations that help raise awareness about heart defects, disease, and more. Read on to learn how you can support Heart Month in Hoboken + Jersey City.
American Heart Association {National}
There are so many ways to get involved in this organization. Monthly donations can help train millions of people in life-saving CPR and emergency cardiovascular care and contributions can help lead to cutting-edge research. For more information on events in the Tri-State area, visit their website here.
Read More: Volunteering Opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City for February 2020
Adult Congenital Heart Association {National}
The Adult Congenital Heart Association’s goal is to improve and “extend the lives of millions born with heart defects,” according to its website. The organization, which was founded in 1998, does so through research, advocacy, and education, and offers a variety of programs and services to raise awareness + reach its goals. They offer research, support, and focus on helping adults who are living with Congenital Heart Defects.
Kids With Heart National Association for Children’s Heart Disorders {National}
Heart disease does not just affect adults, and this national organization is the first to provide support, education, and awareness for congenital heart defects. The organization is run solely by volunteers, and donations help to raise awareness for this disease. The organization has a nationwide support database, online support, and bereavement services, all of which are necessary in the world of CHD.
Women Heart {National}
WomenHeart’s mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women living with or at risk of heart disease and to advocate for their benefit. The organization has teamed up with hospitals across the country {including nearby hospital Morristown Medical Center} to provide access to educational materials and programs. Consider making a gift to support women living with or at risk of heart disease, or even advocating for better heart legislation.
CHD Coalition {45 Carey Avenue, Butler, NJ}
Originally established in 2007 as the Northern NJ Chapter of It’s My Heart, CHD Coalition is a local charitable nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for children and adults born with heart disease — also known as congenital heart defect {CHD}, which is the no.1 birth defect worldwide and leading cause of infant death in the United States. The organization leads fundraisers, connects with nearby hospitals, and spreads the message of hope from their generous donors and volunteers which help change the lives of families and children across the globe.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Charities to Donate to Year-Round
The Heart Foundation {National}
When Steven Cohen, a husband and father to two young girls, suddenly died from a massive heart attack at age 35-years-old, his family and friends were completely lost —how could someone so young, vital, and healthy die this soon? Driven to do something to honor Steve’s memory and save other families from suffering the tragic loss of a loved one to heart disease, Steve’s friends, family, and community formed this organization in 1996. Their mission is to help save lives by increasing the awareness of heart disease, promoting early detection, and supporting the innovative research under the direction of world-renowned cardiologist Dr. P.K. Shah.
Do you know of a local organization that is helping support American Heart Month? Let us know in the comments!
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