February is Heart Month 2025

January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025, OTTAWA — February marks Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about the importance of heart and vascular health, while also supporting the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) through essential fundraising efforts.

“I’m motivated by the growing number of people we’re able to help,” says Dr. Michel Le May, director of the UOHI’s Regional STEMI Program and Heart Month Ambassador for 2025. “Community involvement plays a crucial role in advancing future research, treatments and cures. What makes the Heart Institute exceptional is the strength of our community.”

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Regional STEMI Program, a significant milestone that highlights the program’s impact on heart attack care across the Ottawa region.

Dr. Michel Le May, UOHI
Dr. Michel Le May pioneered the creation of a dedicated STEMI room, which allows paramedics to triage patients directly to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for primary percutaneous coronary intervention – a procedure that restores blood flow to the heart.

Founded and led by Dr. Le May, the program has provided rapid intervention to thousands of patients suffering from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a life-threatening heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart. Program efforts have helped reduce STEMI-related deaths by nearly 50%, with more than 10,000 patients treated to date.

More than 100 community events will be held across Ottawa during Heart Month, and the UOHI Foundation’s corporate match champions will once again be generously doubling donations to support life-saving initiatives.

Campaigns

  • Wear Red Canada and the Wear Red Movement Challenge: On February 13, the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre, along with its national alliance and partners, will observe Wear Red Canada. This initiative aims to raise awareness about women’s heart and vascular health through events held both online and across the country. Join the movement by wearing red on February 13 and participating in the Wear Red Movement Challenge.
  • Light the Capital Red: Windows, homes and businesses across Ottawa will shine red to highlight the importance of the Heart Institute’s work. Show your support for the Heart Institute and its hard-working nurses, doctors and healthcare teams. Here’s how to participate.
  • The Paper Hearts campaign: Ottawa businesses supporting the UOHI’s Foundation are selling and displaying paper hearts. Be a paper hearts champion or purchase a paper heart at a participating local business.
  • Make a donation: Funds raised support research, education, patient programs and innovative care for patients of the Heart Institute, and their families. It’s possible to donate online.

Events and dates

  • Feb. 4 | Red Light Run: Runners adorning red lights will brave the cold weather to meet for a fun 5 kilometre run around the streets of Ottawa. The Red Light Run is hosted by the Ottawa City Run Club. Learn more. 
  • Feb. 13 | Women’s Heart Health Education Day: This hybrid event intended for healthcare providers offers the latest updates and best practices in women’s heart health and heart disease. Learn more.
  • Feb. 20 | Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day: The Centre for Valvular Heart Disease at the UOHI is hosting a one-day event open to the public, primary care providers, and allied healthcare professionals. This hybrid event will feature presentations from healthcare professionals and patient partners about heart valve disease, care and treatment options. Learn more.
  • Feb. 27 | Sharing is Caring: Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Dissemination Night: Patients, their families and caregivers, community partners, and members of the media are invited to learn about cardiac rehabilitation research outputs related to physical activity, mental health, personal relationships, and smoking cessation in a fun and interactive format. Features of this hybrid event include presentations, a moderated Q+A, educational booths, and an exercise demonstration. Learn more.
  • Feb. 28 | Annual Rare Cardiac Conditions Conference: The 3rd Annual Rare Cardiac Conditions Conference coincides with Rare Disease Day. This virtual, one-day event features multidisciplinary speakers presenting a variety of topics related to the challenges and opportunities in understanding and treating rare cardiac conditions. The event is intended for healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers. Learn more.

To learn about heart health and discover a wealth of specialized cardiac clinics, programs and workshops related to heart conditions, procedures, and risk factors, visit www.ottawaheart.ca. To learn about February is Heart Month, visit februaryisheartmonth.ca.

Media opportunities

To coordinate an interview with a Heart Month spokesperson or an expert from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, please contact the liaison named below.

Media contact

Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca