KNOXVILLE, Tenn., January 12, 2026 — The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, shares ways you can celebrate American Heart Month in East Tennessee. American Heart Month, celebrated annually in February, shines a spotlight on heart disease – the No. 1 killer of Americans.
On National Wear Red Day Friday, February 6, show your support for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement by wearing red to raise awareness for women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, with nearly 45% of women over age 20 living with some form of it. Rock your red and share your photos on social media with #KnoxGoRed and tag @AHATennessee to help spread the message. Go Red for Women is locally sponsored in Knoxville by Tennova Healthcare.
Attend the Knoxville Heart Ball Late Party on February 7
The 41 Annual Knoxville Heart Ball is sold out, but when the Heart Ball ends, the Heart Ball Late Party begins! Come for the impact, stay for the party. On Saturday, February 7, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy live music from band MegaFly, an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a photobooth, and a few surprises we can’t reveal just yet! Individual Late Party tickets are available for purchase at heart.org/knoxheartball. The Late Party is locally sponsored by Axle Logistics.
Donate sports equipment to help kids get their hearts pumping
Regular movement and play are essential, yet many schools and after-school programs lack the funding to provide quality PE equipment for their students. You can make a difference. Bring a ball or other sports equipment to the Knoxville American Heart Association office from February 2-6, or to the Heart Ball Late Party on February 7. After the Heart Ball, we’ll deliver donated equipment to schools in need so kids can stay active, build healthy habits, and thrive in and out of the classroom. This initiative is locally sponsored by Altar’d State.
Attend survivor appreciation night on February 26
Survivors are the heartbeat fueling the mission of the American Heart Association. Knoxville’s inaugural Hearts and Heroes event is our way of honoring heart and stroke survivor journeys and connecting them with others who have similar journeys. Drop by the Knoxville American Heart Association office at 4708 Papermill Drive for light refreshments, community, and the chance to share your story. This event will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. Please RSVP by February 19 to [email protected].
The Henley Bridge in downtown Knoxville will be lit up red in honor of American Heart Month on February 1, 2, 4-6, and 25-27. Walking offers great cardio for people of most mobility levels. If you snap a picture walking on the lit-up bridge, make sure to tag @AHATennessee!
In celebration of American Heart Month, we urge every family in the U.S. to learn CPR to protect the ones you love most. With more than 350,000 people experiencing cardiac arrests outside of the hospital every year, including 23,000 children, CPR is a critical skill. Learn Hands-Only CPR or find a CPR class at heart.org/Nation.
Don’t miss the chance to make a difference this February – wear red, learn CPR, and take part in one of Knoxville’s local events. For more information about American Heart Association events in East Tennessee, visit heart.org/Tennessee or contact [email protected].
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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