SAVANNAH, GA, Sept. 16, 2025— Area construction leaders are teaming up to improve the cardiovascular health of the area’s construction workers, led by Eric Sanford of Landmark 24 Homes.

The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, is proud to launch the Hard Hats with Heart Campaign: in the Southern Coast.

Hard Hats with Heart is a construction-specific initiative from the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of 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 and well-being. Examples include 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.

In the U.S., construction workers have a high risk to developing cardiovascular disease. Long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, high tobacco use, and the lack of heart-strengthening exercises are among the biggest culprits. In fact, 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.[i]

“We are excited to launch this initiative here in the Southern Coast,” said Ansley Howze, executive director of the American Heart Association, Southern Coast. “Workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so we know there is work to be done.”

“You can’t be safe at work without your health,” said Eric Sanford, 2025 Southern Coast Hard Hats with Heart chairperson. “As a heart survivor myself, I know how important it is to prioritize health and well-being. I’m excited to work alongside other industry leaders to educate our colleagues.” 

Hard Hats with Heart is a year-round campaign and will culminate with a networking event on November 13 at Tubby’s Tank House.  

Landmark 24 Homes is the gold sponsor of Hard Hats with Heart in the Southern Coast.

For more information about Hard Hats with Heart or to purchase tickets, visit www.heart.org/southerncoasthardhats or contact CoastalEmpireSCGA@heart.org .

 

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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.   

 

For Media Inquiries:

Jessica Rodgers: Jessica.rodgers@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org