CHARLESTON, WV, October 31, 2024 — Did you know that 25% of the calls the West Virgnia Department of Natural Resources Law Division gets during hunting season are related to heart attacks or strokes? It’s true! Because of this, your American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is excited to bring back it’s “Heart Healthy Hunting” campaign to West Virginia – the only state that features this life-saving campaign.
“Hunting is a big part of Appalachian culture and a tradition for many West Virginia families,” said Emily Hanna, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. “By bringing this campaign back, we are helping make sure that this traditional activity is one that our hunters not only enjoy, but one they will come home safely from every time they head out on the trail.”
The campaign will include messaging on the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke, offer heart healthy snack recipes, include important planning steps every hunter should take, and will feature tips from Dr. Steven Eschenaur (Executive Director, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department) and Delaney Roberts, who lost her grandfather and great uncle to heart attacks suffered while hunting.
“We have heard from so many people – hunters and their family members – who have shared with us how much they appreciate this campaign,” added Hanna. “The Heart Healthy Hunting messaging really shines a light on the fact that hunting is stressful on the body and heart attacks and strokes can happen to anyone, including those out in the woods for the season.”
The Heart Healthy Hunting campaign runs from November 1st through November 30th. For more information, contact Emily Hanna at emily.hanna@heart.org, Holly Mitchell, Community Impact Director for the Association, at holly.mitchell@heart.org, or Kevin Pauley, Marketing Communications Director, at kevin.pauley@heart.org.
Visit https://easternstates.heart.org/healthyhunting to learn more about this campaign.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.