The House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio has adopted a resolution recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month in the state. This observance, established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, serves to honor those who have lost their lives to heart disease, raise awareness about its warning signs, and encourage the development of strategies to combat this prevalent health issue. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women across various demographics in the United States, and many Ohioans lack the necessary knowledge and resources to maintain heart-healthy lifestyles.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in addressing heart disease, which is influenced by factors such as obesity, physical activity, stress, sleep, and genetics. It acknowledges the progress made in medical treatments and the efforts of professionals and advocacy groups dedicated to promoting heart health. The House urges all citizens to educate themselves about the risk factors associated with heart disease and encourages participation in initiatives like American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day to further improve public health outcomes. The resolution will be disseminated to Ohio's news media to spread awareness.