Hillsborough County Declares February 7 as Wear Red Day to raise awareness for women’s heart health

TAMPA, Fla.— The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals, has officially proclaimed Friday, February 7, 2025, as Wear Red Day to bring attention to women’s heart health and the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women.

The proclamation, sponsored by Commissioner Chris Boles, was presented during the February 5 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Dr. Doug Ross, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Tampa, where the Pepin Heart Institute is located, accepted the proclamation on behalf of AdventHealth leaders and physicians. Representatives from AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Carrollwood and AdventHealth Riverview were also there for the special occasion.

AdventHealth cardiologists stress that women’s heart attack symptoms can be different and often subtle, like nausea, fatigue, jaw pain or upper back pain.

Recognizing these signs and acting quickly is critical—every second counts. If you or a loved one experience unusual symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or lightheadedness, don’t wait—call 911. Doctors would rather rule out a heart attack than treat the damage of one left untreated.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet so many women don’t
realize they’re at risk,” Dr. Ross said. “Wear Red Day is an opportunity to empower women with knowledge about the signs and symptoms of heart disease and encourage them to seek care when they need it. We’re grateful to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for championing this important initiative.”

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death for women in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 310,000 women each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Wear Red Day is a critical reminder of how heart disease impacts women of all ages,” Commissioner Boles said. “By raising awareness and educating women about the risks and symptoms, we have the power to make a real difference in their lives. I’m honored to sponsor this proclamation and proud to support this important cause alongside AdventHealth.”

AdventHealth Pepin Heart Institute’s physicians, nurses, technicians and staff have worked for more than 35 years to create one of the leading cardiovascular programs in the region. Together, they’ve performed more than 76,000 angioplasty procedures and more than 11,000 open-heart surgeries.

For more information on women’s heart health, visit the Pepin Heart Institute at AdventHealth Tampa.