American Heart Month take place from Feb. 1-28 and includes National Wear Red Day, which raises awareness about heart disease. Heart Month overlaps with Black History Month, which celebrates the achievements of Black Americans.
By Darian Harris, CEO, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
From Valentine’s Day to Heart Month, there’s no denying February’s association with matters of the heart. But as we celebrate Heart Month and National Wear Red Day in February, we’re not just embracing a color; we are embracing a cause that echoes the beat of every American heart – the fight against heart disease.
During this poignant overlap with Black History Month, we are reminded that much progress has been made, but there is much more work to do to ensure the rhythm of our collective heart beats as one.
As the CEO of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center within the Sutter Health system, I’m part of an amazing team that is committed to being a leader in the fight against heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Our team is equally committed to combating the stark truth: that research has frequently cited a 30% higher likelihood of heart disease-related deaths for the African American community. This month is not just about commemorating history; it’s about recognizing the urgency for health and health equity, a cause that resonates within the very pulse of our commitment at MPMC and throughout Sutter Health.
Many who know me know I love football, especially this time of year. It was National Football League coach Vince Lombardi who said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” That is exactly what our Cardiovascular Care team has done at MPMC.
Darian Harris, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center CEO
This month, I want to celebrate the heartbeat of MPMC and the collective pulse of Sutter Health: our world-class clinicians and caregivers. Recent national recognitions from U.S. & World Report, CMS, HealthGrades and others frequently recognize our hospitals as being among the top in the country. Some, including MPMC, receive special recognitions for cardiovascular care. These accolades are not just laurels on the walls of our medical centers; they are reflections of the incredible skill, dedication and compassion that define our caregivers and clinicians. Their unwavering commitment to clinical excellence sets the standard for what it means to provide truly unparalleled care.
These incredible accomplishments are not the final destination but rather a marker on our journey. Our commitment extends beyond recognition; it reaches out to heal the hearts of our communities. As we know, we are not merely a healthcare system. Sutter Health is investing and will continue to invest in our medical centers being centers of excellence for cardiovascular care and — for the former cardiovascular patients I’ve spoken with — a beacon of hope and healing for our communities. As we grow, so does our pledge to accessibility and inclusivity.
Our cardiovascular services programs aren’t just programs. They’re a reflection of our commitment to caring for friends, loved ones and neighbors. Our communities deserve more than just care; they deserve world-class, compassionate and accessible cardiovascular care, and we want them to know that is what we provide at MPMC and across Sutter Health.
This month, as we wear red, we wear the color of passion, courage and commitment to a heart-healthy future. I’m honored to serve alongside the incredible members of our team delivering peace of mind and world-class cardiovascular care to the communities we serve.
