As the American Heart Association (heart.org), a global force for healthier lives for all, celebrates their centennial year, Kris Montgomery, leader of the Omaha region for McCarthy Building Companies has been named chair of this year’s Hard Hats with Heart Omaha.

Hard Hats with Heart is a construction industry-specific initiative from the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of Omaha’s construction workers. The campaign’s focus is to integrate health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve health such as providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease and teaching employees CPR.

“Supporting the American Heart Association is about planting seeds of awareness,” said Montgomery. “Our team at McCarthy is sending a clear message that the health of our team matters. Every heartbeat counts, and every dollar raised for the cause supports research, education and prevention efforts. My family was one of the 695,000 families in the United States that loses someone every year to heart disease. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”

McCarthy Building Companies agrees with Montgomery.

“It is an honor to work with Kris,” said Kelly Morris, American Heart Association Development Director. “McCarthy Building Companies is a leader in the industry when it comes to giving back and putting their employees’ health, safety, and well-being first.”

Workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In fact, 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

For more information on Hard Hats with Heart Omaha visit heart.org/omahahardhats or contact Kelly.Morris@heart.org. To learn more about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.