As a health writer, I found it very moving to write this piece titled “February is Health Month: Building a Circle of Red in Montgomery County” for City Lifestyle magazine. We aren’t alone in our heart health journey.
The American Heart Association has programs locally and nationally that impact lives and helps prolong our longevity. Read ahead to find the latest news in the North Houston area, The Woodlands, Conroe, and beyond.
Article by Melanie Saxton
Photography by Provided
Originally published in The Woodlands City Lifestyle
We are honored to feature Montgomery County’s involvement in the American Heart Association — the philanthropy, the volunteerism, and the impact made in the battle against heart disease and stroke. The year-round Heart of Montgomery County campaign focuses on CPR education, controlling blood pressure, improving nutrition, and fighting the tobacco and vaping crisis.
Last September, supporters attended the Post Oak Collection of the American Heart Association’s Montgomery County Kick-Off to begin fundraising for 2023. Elvira Graham and Amy Torres hosted the soiree, sponsored by Lonny Soza, President of Post Oak Collection and Co-Chair of the Go Red For Women Luncheon with Elvira Graham.
In November, the Montgomery County Heart Walk took place at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. “We’ve raised approximately $300,000, thanks to our wonderful sponsors and amazing community, and donations are still coming in,” says Kellie Armstrong, Regional Vice President, Gulf Coast of the AHA.
Fun in February
February brings more opportunities to serve, donate, and participate during Heart Month. The American Heart Association asks everyone in Montgomery County to BE THE BEAT and rally families to have at least one person in their home who is trained in CPR.
National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3, is an opportunity to get creative by wearing red, decorating buildings in red, tagging #WearRedAndGive on social media, and sharing images @AmericanHeartTX.
MoCo Heart Ball Tickets
The Montgomery County Heart Ball, taking place on February 25 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, is an exciting and highly anticipated annual event. Attendees enjoy dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and a celebration of survivors.
Tickets, sponsorships, and table purchases are available through February 13. The glamorous gala is presented by St. Luke’s Health — The Woodlands Hospital and chaired by Kathy Tautenhahn in loving memory of her husband Scott. The Heart Ball celebrates Montgomery County’s success in driving change, funding science, and working every day to help every heart. Last year’s ball raised $675,000 for the cause. Visit montgomerycountyheartball.heart.org or email Lisa.Fenley@heart.org for details.
Mark Your Calendars
The Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Friday, May 19, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.
“Across Montgomery County, we identified a need to address women’s health, hypertension, and nutrition security, and with the help of local funds, we established new food distribution sites, enhanced the capabilities of local clinics, and improved women’s access to health education,” says Armstrong. Visit goredforwomen.org for details.
To learn more about Montgomery County’s overall mission, check out heart.org/en/affiliates/texas/montgomery-county.
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