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The Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease is founded
In 1915 the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease is founded by a group of doctors and social workers concerned by the lack of heart disease information available. This organization served as the predecessor to the American Heart Association. -
The American Heart Association is founded
In 1924 the American Heart Association is founded by six cardiologists representing several national groups and organizations. -
The AHA enters the public eye
The American Heart Asoociation entered the public eye thanks to a network radio contest. -
AHA launches first national fundraising campaign
The American Heart Association launches its first national fundraising campaign, raising $2.7 million. -
First survey of heart disease awareness in women is conducted
The first national survey of heart disease awareness among women specifically is conducted, with over 1000 respondents. Results show very low awareness and knowledge of heart disease issues among women. -
AHA launches "Take Wellness to Heart" campaign
The American heart Association launches its "Take Wellness to Heart" campaign, a campaign that targeted women and focused on heart disease. This campaign eventually led to the "Go Red for Women" campaign. -
NHLBI launched "Heart Truth" campaign
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched its "Heart Truth" campaign, which revolves around the issue of heart disease in women. -
The "Red Dress" logo first appears.
The NHLBI launches the "red dress" as the national symbol of women's heart disease. This symbol is modified and used in the "Go Red for Women" campaign. -
Another survey measures heart disease awareness in women
Another survey is conducted to measure heart disease in women, finding that only 40% of women consider themselves to be "well" or "very well" informed on issues related to heart disease. -
AHA launches "Go Red for Women" campaign
The American heart Association launches its "Go Red for Women" campaign. -
First National Wear Red Day
In conjunction with the launch of its "Go Red for Women" campaign, the AHA also sponsors the inaugural National Wear Red Day, a fundraising event encouraging people to wear red and fonate to support the cause. -
"HEART for Women" Act is introduced
The AHA introduces the "HEART for Women" Act, the campaign's first major legislative action. The act seeks to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease among women. -
Project Runway episode features "Go Red" campaign
A Project Runway episode features the campaign and Campbell's Soup (a campaign sponsor). Designers are asked to create red evening dress for victims of heart disease. -
"Go Red" campaign receives major media attention
The campaign receives significant media attention on National Wear Red Day. The issue was discussed on the Today Show, Wendy Williams, Live with Regis and Kelly, and MSNBC Live, and featured celebrity endorsements by Oprah and Jennie Garth, among others. -
"Speak up to Save Lives" special airs on NBC
A television special created by the AHA airs on NBC. It features Jennie Garth and Hoda Kotb and tells the stories of three women living with heart disease. -
National Wear Red Day 2011 continues to gain media attention
National Wear Red Day 2011 continues to gain media attention, and is featured on everything from "Dr. Phil" to "Access Hollywood." -
"Just a Little Heart Attack" short film is released
Elizabeth Banks and the AHA release the short film "Just a Little Heart Attack," directed by and starring Elizabeth Banks. The film highlights how anyone can have a heart attack, and how heart attack symptoms in women can differ from those in men.
