February Is Heart Awareness Month

Supporting the Hearts of the People Who Care for Others

February is Heart Awareness Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for women in the United States. At Northwest Mental Health Management Services, this month is also an opportunity to pause and recognize the heart health of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and caregivers who spend their days supporting others.

Caregiving is meaningful work, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Long shifts, high responsibility, emotional labor, and stress can quietly take a toll on heart health. Heart Awareness Month is a reminder that taking care of yourself is not optional—it’s essential.

Why Heart Health Matters for DSPs and Caregivers

Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of community-based care. You advocate, assist, encourage, and show up—day after day. But caregiving often means putting your own needs last.

Some common caregiver-related risk factors include:

• Chronic stress

• Irregular sleep schedules

• Limited time for exercise or routine medical care

• Skipping meals or relying on convenience foods
  

Heart Awareness Month is not about adding pressure—it’s about small, realistic steps that support long-term health.

Simple Heart-Healthy Actions (That Fit Real Life)

You don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul. Consider one or two gentle changes:

• Take a short walk during a break or after a shift

• Drink water regularly throughout the day

• Schedule a routine check-up if you’ve been putting it off

• Practice a brief breathing or grounding exercise between tasks

• Connect with a coworker—social connection supports heart health
  

Small steps count, especially when they’re sustainable.

National Wear Red Day® – February 6

National Wear Red Day® is a visible, collective way to support heart health awareness—especially women’s heart health.

On February 6, we encourage DSPs, caregivers, supervisors, and community members to:

• Wear red to work or at home

• Share a photo or message of support

• Start a conversation about heart health
  

You can also support the mission by shopping the 2026 Go Red for Women Collection from the American Heart Association.

Every purchase supports lifesaving research, education, and advocacy for women’s heart health.

👉 [Shop the Wear Red Store]

Ways to Participate Locally (Portland, Oregon)

If you’re in the Portland metro area, Heart Awareness Month is a great time to:

• Attend community walks, wellness fairs, or heart-health events

• Explore free or low-cost health screenings

• Join virtual or in-person educational sessions hosted by local organizations

  
  

Providence Heart to Start is a free 5K training program that began in Portland, Oregon in 2012. Since then, this supportive community has inspired a movement where more than 2,500 individuals participate annually from across the nation and around the world. The community of walkers, joggers, and runners train together over twelve weeks leading up to the Providence Heart to Start 5K/10K in partnership with Hood To Coast Race Series. https://hoodtocoast.com/rs/providence-heart-to-start

Looking for a career that matters? Review our open positions at Northwest Mental Health Management Services.