Little Hats, Big Hearts Program raises awareness for congenital heart defects

Little Rock (KATV) — The American Heart Association is giving a special gift to newborns born in February.

More than a dozen hospitals in Arkansas are giving a knitted or crochetedred cap to newborns as part of the Little Hats, Big Hearts Program.

The Little Hats Big Hearts Program is working toraise awarenessof heart disease, the number one killer of Americans, and congenital heart defects, the most common birth defect in the country.

Volunteers and staff gathered at the Central ArkansasAmerican Heart Association office Wednesdayto package the volunteer-knit caps.

American Heart Association Heart Ball Director, Tammy Quick, stated that:

Little Hats, Big Hearts is one more way that the American Heart Association works to educate the community about congenital heart disease. Heart health is important for all ages, even the youngest in our community.

Founder of the Children's Heart Foundation, Betsy Peterson, added the following comment:

Little Hats, Big Hearts brings attention to congenital heart defects – a condition that affects about 40,000 babies born in the U.S. each year. We’re proud to be part of this program as it brings together the community to rally around those families affected by CHD. We also would like to thank all the incredible volunteers that share their time and talent to make this program possible.

Individuals interested in participating in the program can contact the Central Arkansas American Heart Association at (501)707-6600.

Knit or crocheted red hats will be accepted year-round. Donations to support the program, including yarn, will also be accepted.

Since the program started in 2014 they have handed out more than 100,000 hats.