National Wear Red Wear Red Day

Happy diverse group of people wearing various shades of red clothing, surrounded by a city skyline and holding heart-shaped signs.. — National wear red wear red day illustration

Hey there, folks! Are you ready to paint the town red? Well, mark your calendars because it's time to celebrate National Wear Red Day! This vibrant and spirited day encourages everyone to don their favorite red garments and show their support for a very important cause. So, grab your favorite red shirt, dress, or those stylish red socks you've been dying to wear, and let's dive into the history of this awesome day!

When is Wear Red Wear Red Day?

It's national wear red wear red day on the 19th January.

The Internet History of National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day, also known as Go Red for Women, was initially launched in the early 2000s by the American Heart Association. This annual event typically takes place on the first Friday in February and aims to raise awareness about heart disease, particularly among women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide but is often wrongly considered a men's health issue. The American Heart Association wanted to change that perception and bring attention to the significant impact heart disease has on women's lives.

The internet has played a crucial role in popularizing National Wear Red Day and spreading the word. With the rise of social media platforms, hashtags like #GoRed and #WearRedDay have gained considerable traction and helped raise awareness about heart health. Thousands of individuals and organizations across the globe now participate every year, sharing pictures and stories of themselves wearing red attire.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Wear Red is as easy as pie! Simply put on your favorite red outfit and get ready to turn heads. Whether you're going to work, hitting the gym, or just hanging out with loved ones, wear red with pride and encourage others to join in too.

But why stop at clothes? Get creative and deck out your whole look with red accessories like hats, scarves, or even red shoes. If you're feeling extra festive, why not organize a red-themed party or event? It's a fantastic opportunity to spread awareness about heart disease and have a blast at the same time.

And remember, National Wear Red Day is not just about fashion. Take the opportunity to educate yourself and others about the risk factors, prevention measures, and warning signs of heart disease. Knowledge is power, after all!

Did You Know?

Did you know that studies have shown that the color red can actually increase your heart rate and make you feel more energetic? That's probably why seeing someone in a stunning red outfit can make your heart skip a beat. So, wearing red on National Wear Red Day not only shows your support but may also give you an extra pep in your step!

History behind the term 'Wear Red Wear Red'

1987

The Birth of a Symbol

In 1987, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched the National Wear Red Day campaign as part of American Heart Month. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness about heart disease, particularly in women. The inaugural event saw thousands of Americans donning red outfits and accessories to show their support for cardiovascular health.

2003

The Creation of National Wear Red Day

In the year 2003, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) came together to create National Wear Red Day. This special day was designated to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the number one killer of American women. The color red was chosen to symbolize the fight against heart disease and to encourage people to take action and support the cause.

2002

The Birth of National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day was first established in 2002 by the American Heart Association to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease among women. This annual event takes place on the first Friday in February and encourages people to wear red as a symbol of support and to spread knowledge about heart health.

2003

The Birth of National Wear Red Day

In 2003, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) joined forces to create National Wear Red Day. This annual event was established to raise awareness about heart disease, particularly among women who were often unaware of their risk. The first National Wear Red Day took place on February 7, 2003, and encouraged people to wear red to show their support for the fight against heart disease.

2002

Creating a Global Movement

In 2002, the American Heart Association adopted the National Wear Red Day campaign and expanded its reach. They established the Go Red For Women movement, aimed at educating women around the world about heart disease and empowering them to take control of their heart health. The iconic red dress became the symbol of the movement, representing strength and unity.

2004

Expanding the Message

Following the success of the inaugural National Wear Red Day, the AHA and NHLBI expanded their efforts to create more awareness about heart disease. In 2004, they launched the Go Red for Women campaign, which aimed to educate women about their risks and empower them to take control of their heart health. National Wear Red Day became a key component of this campaign, with more individuals and organizations participating each year.

2004

The Impact of the Red Dress

In 2004, the Red Dress symbol was introduced as part of National Wear Red Day. The Red Dress became the iconic symbol of the movement, representing the strength and unity of women in the fight against heart disease. The Red Dress not only became a powerful visual symbol but also sparked conversations about heart health whenever it was worn.

2003

Momentum Grows with Celebrity Support

In 2003, the National Wear Red Day campaign gained momentum with the support of celebrities and prominent personalities. Various media outlets, including television shows and magazines, started featuring red-themed content to amplify the message and increase participation. The involvement of notable figures helped to draw widespread attention to the cause and further solidified the significance of wearing red on this day.

2009

Global Reach

By 2009, National Wear Red Day had gained significant momentum and had become a global movement. The event was not only observed in the United States but also in other countries around the world. The message of wearing red to support heart health resonated with individuals everywhere, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity in the fight against heart disease.

2006

Expanding the Awareness Campaign

By the year 2006, National Wear Red Day had gained significant traction and recognition. The AHA and NHLBI expanded their efforts to raise awareness beyond just a single day. They started the 'Go Red for Women' campaign, which aimed at educating women about heart disease and empowering them to make heart-healthy choices. The campaign urged women to wear red throughout the month of February, which is officially designated as American Heart Month.

2004

Expansion to Include Awareness and Prevention

Building on the success of the previous years, National Wear Red Day expanded its focus in 2004 to not only raise awareness about heart disease but also emphasize the importance of prevention. Educational events, health fairs, and heart screenings were organized to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining heart health. The campaign began to incorporate a comprehensive approach to combating cardiovascular disease.

2004

A Fashionable Statement

In 2004, designer Laura Whitcomb and her daughter Hannah created the 'Red Dress Pin.' The pin featured a red dress silhouette and quickly became a fashionable accessory seen on lapels and handbags during the National Wear Red Day. Its popularity further solidified the red dress as a symbol of fighting heart disease in women.

2005

The Empire State Turns Red

In 2005, the Empire State Building in New York City started illuminating its top floors in red lights on National Wear Red Day. This iconic landmark embraced the cause, drawing attention to the importance of heart health and the fight against heart disease.

2011

Global Reach of the Red Movement

National Wear Red Day and the 'Go Red for Women' campaign gained international attention by 2011. Several countries around the world joined the movement, organizing their own Wear Red Days and spreading awareness about heart disease in their respective communities. The global reach of the red movement showcased the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and governments in promoting heart health.

2012

Iconic Symbolism

In 2012, the red dress became the official symbol of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. The red dress represents strength, passion, and the shared commitment to raising awareness about heart disease. It has become a powerful visual reminder of the importance of heart health and the need for continued efforts in research, prevention, and treatment.

2013

Support from Corporate Partners

In 2013, National Wear Red Day united with corporate partners to further extend its reach and impact. Numerous businesses, both large and small, joined forces with the American Heart Association, collaborating on fundraising efforts, organizing wellness programs, and implementing heart-healthy initiatives in workplaces. The involvement of corporate entities helped to engage communities nationwide and foster a sustained commitment to heart health.

Present

Continuing Impact

Today, National Wear Red Day continues to be celebrated annually on the first Friday in February. It serves as a reminder to individuals of all genders to prioritize their heart health and to take steps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The campaign has successfully increased awareness about the risks of heart disease, resulting in improved prevention and treatment strategies that have positively impacted countless lives.

2019

Embracing Inclusivity with 'Wear Red Day'

As the campaign evolved, it adapted its terminology in 2019 to include 'Wear Red Day' in addition to 'National Wear Red Day.' This change aimed to embrace a more inclusive approach, inviting people from all countries and backgrounds to participate and support the cause. The shift broadened the campaign's impact and enhanced its ability to promote heart health awareness on a global scale.

Present Day

Continued Impact and Progress

Today, National Wear Red Day continues to be observed annually on the first Friday in February. It serves as a powerful reminder to take charge of heart health, not just for women but for everyone. The red dress and the color red remain symbols of solidarity and commitment to fighting heart disease. Thanks to the efforts of National Wear Red Day, millions of lives have been touched, and hearts have been inspired to make positive lifestyle changes.

2013

Going Global on Social Media

As social media platforms gained popularity, the National Wear Red Day movement expanded its reach globally. In 2013, the official hashtag #GoRed trended on various social media platforms, allowing individuals worldwide to share their support for the cause and spread awareness about heart disease prevention.