The red ribbons decorating The Square in downtown Troy could be to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. They could be, but more than that, they are there to bring awareness to February as Heart Month, said Elizabeth Mitchell, chair of the board of the 2015 Pike County Chapter of the American Heart Association.

“The idea behind the red ribbons is to bring awareness to heart disease, which is the number one killer of Americans today,” Mitchell said. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. About 600,000 people in the United States die of heart disease every year. That’s one in every four deaths.”

Mitchell said those statistics are the reason the Pike County Chapter of the American Heart Association is painting the town red for the month of February.

The ribbons are $10 each and may be purchased by calling 334-268-0810.

The ribbons may be displayed by businesses or by residents in support of the Pike County Heart Association’s awareness campaign.

“The funds raised by the sale of the ribbons will benefit the Pike County Heart Walk but the main purpose is to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke,” Mitchell said.

The first Friday in February each year is National Go Red for Women and is a special day to bring awareness to the staggering facts of heart disease and stroke.

Red has become the iconic symbol of the battle against heart disease and stroke in women. Wearing red is a reminder to all women to know their cardiovascular risks and take action to live longer, healthier lives, Mitchell said.

Tomorrow will be Go Red for Women Day in Pike County and all women are encouraged to wear red to bring awareness that heart disease is the nunber on killer of women in America.

The Red Cap Survivors’ Breakfast will be at Park Memorial United Methodist Church at 8 a.m. Saturday and the Pike County Heart Walk will be from 5:30 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Troy Recreation Center.

Mitchell said invitations have been mailed to heart and stroke survivors whose names have been made available.

“The list of Pike County survivors of heart disease and stroke is in no way complete but we want all of those who are survivors to attend,” Mitchell said. “You don’t have to have reservations, just come and celebrate with us.”

The annual Pike County Heart Walk will feature the Heart Walk, entertainment, food, fun and fellowship. Everyone is encouraged to make plans to attend and support the efforts to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke through awareness, prevention and treatment.