February is Heart Health Month

By Lethbridge Herald on February 3, 2026.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

With February being recognized as Heart Health Month, this provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of improving access to care closer to home, and to do just that, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is taking part of the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign. 

CEO Crystal Elliott shared they have received outstanding community support for the campaign. 

“We have incredible community support for our Bringing Hearts Home campaign, and we have so many third-party partnerships and community events that are happening this month,” said Elliott. 

She said their annual “Care from the heart radiothon,” is set to take place on Feb. 12, where physicians, patients, and staff in healthcare will be sharing special stories.  

“We’re also going to have a really special Lethbridge Hurricanes game on Feb. 13 that’s dedicated to our Bringing Hearts Home campaign. And on Saturday we have the Hearts and Harmony Gala,” said Elliott.

She said a portion of the Hearts and Harmony Gala proceeds will be donated to the CRHF for the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign. 

Elliott said that across Canada, heart disease remains a leading cause of hospitalization, and in southern Alberta geography can influence how quickly patients receive lifesaving treatment. 

Improving cardiac outcomes requires both community leadership and public partnership and the Government of Alberta has made an initial commitment to advancing cardiac care planning in southern Alberta, for which functional planning work has been completed. 

Elliott explained that to bring cardiac care to the region, the Government of Alberta asked for a demonstration of community engagement with a $30 million investment. 

“With more than 83 per cent of our goal already achieved, this year represents a pivotal chapter in our journey,” said Elliott. 

She said this progress reflects extraordinary community belief, but the work is not finished. 

“I remember how challenging it was to raise our first five to six million dollars, and our final five million will require the same determination, focus, and partnership, alongside continued government collaboration,” said Elliott. 

She said this has been achieved by more than 750 donations from communities across southern Alberta, from Taber to Pincher Creek, Milk River and Warner to Picture Butte, and the City of Lethbridge.

Elliott said in this last stretch, she is encouraging southern Alberta residents, family and friends to donate so everyone can benefit from having cardiac care closer to home. 

“People can make donations online, or by calling the foundation at 403-388-6001, or they can stop by and see us in the atrium of the hospital,” said Elliott. 

She said people can donate securities with a form available on their website and they can work with their financial advisors regarding that.  

“They can also leave a gift in their will or do plan giving. There’s a multitude of ways to donate,” said Elliott. 

The Foundation expressed deep gratitude to the Southern Alberta Cardiac Advisory Cabinet for its leadership and advocacy, helping ensure the campaign remains rooted in clinical need and long-term impact.

To learn more or donate visit http://www.crhfoundation.ca or http://www.bringingheartshome.ca.