January 30, 2026, OTTAWA — February marks Heart Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about heart health and to support the Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada’s leading heart health centre. This year’s campaign coincides with the Heart Institute’s 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of leadership in cardiovascular care, research, and education.
Throughout February, a series of events will engage communities, promote heart-healthy prevention initiatives and raise critical funds. Donations made during Heart Month help fund lifesaving equipment, innovative patient-care programs, and research that advances heart health nationwide.
“Heart Month is about empowering people to prioritize their heart health while uniting the community behind programs that make a meaningful difference for patients and families,” said Bonnie Bowes, vice president of quality, risk and health information and chief nursing officer at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and Heart Month ambassador for 2026.
Heart Month 2026 features a variety of heart health awareness events for the community, healthcare professionals, and families.
- February 13 – Wear Red Canada Day: National initiative raising awareness for women’s heart health. Organized by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance.
- February 13 – Women’s Heart Health Education Day: Hybrid event sharing the latest research and best practices in women’s cardiovascular care. Developed as part of Wear Red Canada Day programming.
- February 16 – First annual Ottawa Mega Heart event: Free, family-friendly exercise demos and women’s heart and vascular health programming. Organized with support from the Ottawa Heart Institute Patient Alumni Association.
- February 22 – Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day: Presentations for the public on treatment and care options. Organized by the Canadian Centre for Valvular Heart Disease.
- February 26 – Sharing is Caring (Cardiac Rehabilitation Public Research Night): Interactive hybrid event exploring family-centred care, social robots, and mental health.
- February 27 – 4th Annual Rare Cardiac Conditions Conference: Online conference for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Organized by the Canadian Centre for Rare Cardiac Conditions.
The Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation has several community initiatives planned throughout the month. Individuals, groups, and businesses can show their support by making a donation, participating in the Red Light Run, lighting their windows red as part of the Light the Capital Red initiative, (PDF), joining the Paper Hearts campaign (PDF), or taking part in one or more local fundraising initiatives.
“The support we receive during Heart Month brings life-saving research, care, and education to Canadians when and where it’s needed most,” said Lianne Laing, president of the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see how every gift, big or small, contributes to brighter, healthier futures for our community and from coast to coast to coast.”
Last year, Heart Month generated $1.4 million, made possible through match sponsors, donors, and more than 100 community-led initiatives. Donations in 2026 will once again be matched.
Visit februaryisheartmonth.ca to discover the many ways to participate.
For more information about Heart Month events or to schedule an interview with a spokesperson or cardiovascular health expert, contact the media liaison listed below.
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca