National Wear Red Day

Celebrated on 02/06/2026

Quick Fact

National Wear Red Day is observed on the first Friday of February each year, and it was created to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. The color red symbolizes the urgency of the issue and the power of women to take action.

Origins and Establishment of National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day was established by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2003 as part of its Go Red For Women campaign. The campaign was launched to address the alarming fact that heart disease was often underdiagnosed and undertreated in women, and to empower women to take charge of their heart health. The first Friday of February was chosen to kick off American Heart Month, which also begins in February.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Wear Red Day has grown into a nationwide movement, with millions of people wearing red to show support for women's heart health. The day is marked by community events, workplace dress-down days, and social media campaigns using the hashtag #WearRedDay. The American Heart Association uses the day to fundraise for research and education, and many landmarks are lit in red to raise visibility. The campaign has successfully increased awareness: today, nearly 80% of women in the U.S. are aware that heart disease is their leading cause of death, up from only 34% in 1997.

Facts & General Observations

• Heart disease kills one woman every 80 seconds in the United States.
• The Go Red For Women campaign has raised over $100 million for heart health research and education since 2004.
• National Wear Red Day is observed not only in the U.S. but also in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, where similar campaigns have been adopted.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.