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American Heart Association seeks knitters for ‘Little Hats, Big Hearts' campaign

Campaign aims to educate mothers of heart defects
Posted at 4:13 PM, Feb 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-07 17:13:58-05

The American Heart Association Wisconsin is seeking volunteer knitters to help make little red hats for babies born in Wisconsin in the month of February.

American Heart Association Wisconsin Communications Director Melissa Douglas told TODAY’S TMJ4 that the hats are needed for the “Little Hats, Big Hearts” campaign to educate young mothers about congenital heart defects in newborns.

“Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in babies, so it’s necessary to raise awareness about the importance of screening,” Douglas said.

The campaign kicked off this winter, and thus far the American Heart Association Wisconsin has received more than 4,000 hats statewide.

“We have been really inspired by the outpouring of the community,” Douglas said. “The number of hats we’ve received have come from all over the country.”

Douglas added many have come with personal notes from families whose infant was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, and that in speaking with its hospital partners, the feedback from families receiving the hats has been positive and appreciative.

The American Heart Association of Wisconsin is still accepting donations, and has ideas and suggestions for knitters on its website.

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