Backup Documents 01/27/2026 Item # 4A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States,
claiming the lives of one in every three women each year and surpassing all forms of
cancer combined; and
WHEREAS, nearly half of all women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular
disease, yet most women remain unaware of their personal risk factors or the unique ways
heart disease can present in women; and
WHEREAS, women often experience heart attack symptoms that differ from men—such as shortness of
breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, extreme fatigue, or dizziness—which can lead to delayed
treatment and poorer outcomes when these symptoms are not recognized; and
WHEREAS, significant disparities persist, with Black, Hispanic/Latina, and Indigenous women facing
higher rates of cardiovascular disease and barriers to prevention, diagnosis, and equitable
access to care; and
WHEREAS, stroke is also a major threat to women's health. as women are more likely than men to
experience a stroke, more likely to die from one, and more likely to suffer long-term
disability; and
WHEREAS, research shows that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR during a cardiac
emergency, in part due to fears and misconceptions that must be addressed through
community-wide education and awareness; and
WHEREAS, for more than two decades, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women®
movement has led the charge in educating women about cardiovascular disease, advancing
scientific research, advocating for equitable healthcare, and empowering women to take
charge of their heart health; and
WHEREAS, National Wear Red Day, observed on the first Friday of February, brings communities
together to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations about women's heart and brain
health, and inspire lifesaving action;
NOW,. THEREFORE. be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that February 6. 2026, be designated as
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 27TH Day of January 2026.
Boar of County Commissioners
u - J, Collier Co ,Florida
Dan Kowal, 'hairman
- '