February Is Heart Month: The Heart & Stroke Foundation Unveils Full Month of Activities Focused on Cardiovascular Health
February is officially Heart Month, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda is calling on the nation to place heart health at the forefront under the theme “Optimizing Heart & Brain Health – Everyday Choices, Lifelong Impact,” through a robust calendar of public education, advocacy, and community engagement activities throughout the month. Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of illness and death in Antigua and Barbuda. Heart Month 2026 is designed to raise awareness, promote prevention, and strengthen partnerships that improve cardiovascular outcomes across the population.
President of the Foundation and Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Georgette Meade, emphasized the importance of the month’s focus, “Heart Month is an opportunity to move beyond awareness to action. Although cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, its impact continues to grow. This month brings science, policy, and community action together to empower individuals to make healthier choices while strengthening the systems that support heart and brain health.”
A key highlight of Heart Month is the Foundation’s collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) through the HEARTS in the Americas initiative. HEARTS is a country-led programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, the Environment & Civil Affairs with technical cooperation from PAHO, designed to integrate global best practices into existing health delivery services. The Foundation has been invited to participate as a partner in the national launch and ongoing implementation meetings, with Dr. Tadia Smith serving as the Foundation’s representative.
Heart Month activities are supported by key partners, including the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association (ABDA), the Ministry of Health, Wellness, the Environment & Civil Affairs, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), and the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, reflecting a unified, multi-sector approach to improving cardiovascular health outcomes in Antigua and Barbuda.
Heart Month 2026 – Schedule of Events
Monday, February 2 – Media Day
Media engagements and expert discussions to spotlight heart health risks, prevention, and early intervention.
Friday, February 6 – Wear Red Day
The public is encouraged to wear red in solidarity and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke.
Tuesday, February 10 – House Calls (ABS TV programme)
Community-based outreach focused on education, risk awareness, and preventive care.
Sunday, February 22 – 7th Annual Cardiac Symposium
A flagship medical and public health event bringing together clinicians, health professionals, and stakeholders to examine emerging trends, best practices, and solutions in cardiovascular care.
February 22, 2026 (Virtual & In-person) 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Theme: Heart Disease & Stroke: Optimizing Risk Factor Management
Sandals Grande, Antigua
Physicians EC$250 | Allied Health Professionals EC$200
5 CME Credits
Registration & Payment via Ticketing App (Google & Android)
Thursday, February 26 – 2nd Annual Public Health Lecture
An open public lecture addressing cardiovascular prevention, lifestyle modification, and population health strategies.
Theme: Optimizing Heart & Brain Health: Everyday Choices, Lifelong Impact
Topics:
1. Everyday Habits That Quietly Damage the Heart
2. Stress, Sleep & the Heart: The Risks We Ignore
3. From Sweetness to Sickness: How Sugar Affects the Heart and Brain
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) Auditorium
5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
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