SEATTLE, April 28, 2025 — about 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) in the U.S. are living with cardiovascular disease, and even more are at increased risk of developing it as the jobs are physically demanding and often require long hours in high stress environments which can lead to poor nutrition choices, tobacco use and a lack of heart strengthening exercise. The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, is working alongside industry leaders in Washington to change the statistics through Hard Hats with Heart.
 
The focus of Hard Hats with Heart is to integrate health, well-being and prevention solutions into industry culture and raise lifesaving funds for the American Heart Association. Launched in Washington in 2022, the program has been embraced by 16 construction companies and is on track to reach over 25,000 craftworkers by the end of May. 
 
Hard Hats with Heart implements strategies such as providing health education through Toolbox Talks on job sites, with content that addresses a wide variety of topics including healthy sleep, managing blood pressure, better nutrition and Hands-Only CPR. These short form educational sessions are easy to integrate into safety briefings or all hands meetings and offer bite-sized tips along with resources that staff can take away and dig deeper into the information. 
 
In addition to Toolbox Talks, the Association supports companies in executing 30-day health challenges that can be implemented to address site-specific goals. These may be blood pressure challenges where participants measure and record their blood pressure daily on the job site or mental well-being challenges that incorporate weekly text messages with tips to reduce stress through physical activity or gratitude practice. 
 
Swinerton Builders conducted a Blood Pressure Challenge at their Tulalip Casino job site in 2025 and over 80 employees participated by tracking their blood pressure. At the conclusion of the 30-day challenge, 95% of the survey responses included notation of a lifestyle change which ranged from reducing salty food or sugary drinks, increasing physical activity and taking time to relax. 91% of the survey responses reported an improvement in their blood pressure numbers at the end of the Challenge. 
 
In another example, the Mortenson North Tower project at Swedish First Hill in Seattle completed a Eat Smart Nutrition Challenge that reached about 200 craftworkers at the jobsite. Participants received health information via text with ideas on how to improve diet.
 
Prioritizing cardiovascular health in the workplace can lead to a safer, healthier and more productive workforce. “I’ve been involved with Hard Hats with Heart since its inception four years ago,” said Nick Vovakes, vice president and division manager for Swinerton’s Seattle office and 2025 Puget Sound Hard Hats with Heart chairperson. “We are making a real, transformational impact in the health and well-being of craftworkers across the Puget Sound. Prioritizing physical and mental wellbeing is essential to being your best self. As employers, we are uniquely positioned to influence positive and lasting change for employees and this work is critical in achieving the mission of saving and improving lives. At Swinerton, we have a motto of YFNY (Your Family Needs You) and it is exactly why this collaboration with the American Heart Association has been so beneficial to our company and trade partners. We want everyone to get home safely and be healthy with their family.”
 
The annual impact of the Hard Hats with Heart campaign in the Puget Sound will be celebrated by professionals from across the construction and health care industries during an evening of networking and recognition on Wed. May 7 at the Shop in Seattle. For information about the event visit heart.org/PugetSoundHardHats and for more information about Hard Hats with Heart visit heart.org/PugetSoundHHWH.  
 
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
 
For Media Inquiries: 
Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org 
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)