The American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart campaign concluded its second year on March 31, bringing together leaders from across the construction and skilled trades industries to advance heart health and workplace safety.
The event highlighted the elevated risk of heart disease and stroke in construction and reinforced the role employers play in prevention through education, preparedness and culture change. WOWT 6 News anchor and survivor Maria Cade served as emcee, guiding attendees through a program featuring local survivor stories, medical insight from CHI Health, and local smoking cessation materials.
Jason Studt, Chair of Hard Hats with Heart and a leader at JE Dunn Construction, recognized the campaign’s executive leadership team and sponsors for their commitment to saving lives.
“The construction industry is built on teamwork and responsibility,” Studt said. “Hard Hats with Heart gives us the opportunity to extend that responsibility beyond the job site—by creating healthier workplaces, equipping our teams with life saving skills, and making sure our people are able to go home safely to their families.”
Chris Neal (JE Dunn) and Josh Griesemer (Helm Mechanical) shared personal experiences that underscored the importance of recognizing symptoms, acting quickly, and taking heart health seriously. Together, their stories reinforced the campaign’s mission to empower workers to protect both their own health and the health of those around them.
Through CPR training, cardiac emergency response planning, and ongoing education, Hard Hats with Heart continues to strengthen the industry—and the community it builds. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org.