Austin proclaims American Heart Association 'Wear Red' day; health leaders urge CPR, AED access

Austin City Council on Feb. 5 issued a proclamation recognizing National Wear Red Day and the American Heart Association’s work on cardiovascular health, particularly the disproportionate impact on women and communities of color.

Council Member Vanessa Fuentes presented the proclamation to Brad Wisdom, identified as the American Heart Association’s executive director, and announced that City Hall will be lit red throughout February to raise awareness. "National Wear Red Day is a moment for all of us to... shine a light on women's cardiovascular health," Fuentes said.

Brad Wisdom thanked the city for collaboration. Dr. Mark Escott, identified in the transcript as Austin’s chief medical officer and EMS systems medical director, and Dr. Desmar Walks, medical director for Austin Public Health, emphasized prevention and emergency response. Dr. Escott said sudden cardiac arrest occurs about "900 times each year" in Austin and Travis County and that bystander CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can substantially increase survival.

Dr. Walks stressed the unequal burden on women of color, citing that nearly 60% of Black women over age 20 are living with cardiovascular disease per his remarks, and urged residents to "know your numbers" (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) and to adopt prevention measures such as daily activity and reducing salt intake.

The proclamation and the officials' remarks were ceremonial and intended to raise awareness; the transcript does not record a council vote or immediate policy changes.