Wear Red Day in Lee County

On February 3, I joined Amanda Evans and staff members from the American Heart Association’s regional office at a meeting of the Lee County Board of Commissioners where February 6, 2026, was proclaimed Wear Red Day for Lee County residents. Chairman Kevin Ruane not only ensured that the proclamation was on the agenda, he personally read it during the meeting.

Amanda Evans, a health educator at DOH-Lee, and Andrea Moron Vasquez, the community impact director at the American Heart Association, collaborated on the proclamation for a local Wear Red Day. Over the years, our two organizations have fostered a strong partnership, supporting each other through numerous health fairs, events, coalitions and other community health activities in Lee County.

National Wear Red Day, which takes place on the first Friday of February, and this year is February 6, aims to raise awareness about heart disease in women — a condition often mistakenly considered an issue only for men. Heart disease affects women at alarming rates, making it crucial to bring attention to this serious health concern. Wear Red Day encourages people to wear red clothing to show their support for heart health and to spark essential conversations about preventing heart disease.

The proclamation included eye-opening statistics about cardiovascular disease in women and emphasized the importance of learning CPR and understanding the risks of cardiovascular disease. 

As we approach Wear Red Day, let us all remember the importance of heart health and take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Remember, heart health is not just a one-day event. It’s a lifelong commitment.

Noelia Martinez Irizarry, Public Information Officer
Florida Department of Health in Lee County