Charleston construction, design and build industry champions heart health through Hard Hats with Heart

Record-breaking campaign raised more than $320,000 for heart health

The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, proudly celebrates the record-breaking success of the 2026 Charleston Hard Hats with Heart campaign. With support from more than 60 construction, design and build companies, the campaign raised more than $320,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke, making it the most successful Hard Hats with Heart campaign in Charleston to date.

Funds raised through Hard Hats with Heart support the American Heart Association’s mission to fight the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers – heart disease and stroke – through lifesaving research, community advocacy, improved patient care, and access to healthcare for all people.

Through Hard Hats with Heart, the American Heart Association works with construction leaders to bring health, well-being and prevention resources into workplace safety culture. In the United States, construction workers face real risks for heart disease and stroke, including long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, tobacco use and limited heart-strengthening physical activity. In fact, 343,000 construction workers have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. When employees understand the signs and risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, they are better prepared to notice concerns early, ask questions and take the next step for their health.

This year’s campaign culminated with a celebration at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island, attended by more than 300 construction, design and build industry leaders and employees. The 2026 event, chaired by Keith Horton of Frampton Construction, featured workplace wellness displays, a mission moment and networking opportunities.

“It was a privilege to serve as chair of this year’s Hard Hats with Heart campaign,” said Keith Horton, Hard Hats with Heart chairperson and project director for Frampton Construction. “In construction we talk about safety every single day. We invest countless hours making sure our people go home safely at the end of the day. But the important message from Hard Hats with Heart is that you can’t be safe without your health.”

The event also recognized companies that received Golden Hard Hats awards. Companies that participated in both the Hard Hats with Heart campaign and the Lowcountry Heart Walk were honored. The companies awarded are:

Keystone

• Choate Construction
• SeamonWhiteside

Pillar

• Banks Construction

Foundation

• C. Herman Construction
• Frampton Construction
• HITT
• Trident Construction
• Blueprint
• Feyen Zylstra
• Illuminico
• Landmark Construction
• LightGauge Co.
• Lithko Contracting
• Low Country Case & Millwork
• LS3P
• Mashburn Construction
• Sanders Brothers

“We are thankful to the Charleston construction, design and build industry leaders for embracing this initiative,” said Katie Schumacher, executive director of the American Heart Association, Charleston. “The continued growth of Hard Hats with Heart demonstrates the construction industry’s commitment to protecting its workforce both on and off the jobsite. Together, we are helping companies build safer, healthier and more prepared teams.”

The Charleston Hard Hats with Heart campaign leads into the Lowcountry Heart Walk, which will be held on February 27, 2027. To learn more or sign up, visit www.lowcountryscheartwalk.org.

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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.