Howard University to Wear Red Friday for Fight Against Heart Disease.

WASHINGTON (February 3, 2010) -- Circle Friday, Feb. 5, in red on your calendar. That’s the day Howard University students, staff and alumni will join the American Heart Association’s (AHA) fight against heart disease by holding “Wear Red Day.”

Dr. Eve J. Higginbotham, senior vice president and dean for Health Sciences, and Dr. Celia Maxwell, assistant vice president for Health Affairs and director of the Women’s Health Institute, are encouraging everyone to participate by wearing red to work to help the AHA raise women’s awareness of cardiovascular disease and empower women to reduce their risk.

“We are proud to be joining the AHA and concerned companies and organizations across America in the fight against the number one killer of women, as well as of men,” Higginbotham said. “Wear Red Day is a chance for us to arm ourselves with knowledge about this devastating disease and to raise funds that will help the AHA advance its research and education efforts.”

Learn more about the national cause to increase awareness and help women reduce their risk of heart disease at www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Volunteers will also be selling red carnations and tribute cards in the Howard University Hospital lobby. For one dollar, donors can dress up their Wear Red outfit with a carnation or honor someone you love whose life has been affected – or cut short – by heart disease with a tribute card. All tributes will be displayed throughout February, Heart Month. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Health Institute.

For more information, can contact Cynthia Livingston, director of Community Services, Howard University Hospital, at clivingston@huhosp.org or 202-865-1471.