The women of the Alpha Phi sorority are hoping to eye a sea of red across campus Friday, Feb. 2, which is National Wear Red Day.

Set aside as a day to “Go Red for Women,” students can join Alpha Phi, the Alpha Phi Foundation and the American Heart Association by wearing red to show support for cardiac care.

Alpha Phi adopted cardiac care as its international philanthropy in December of 1946 and has focused on heart disease ever since. It was later established as the official philanthropy of the sorority in 1956. Since 2004, the color red and the red dress symbol have been the national symbols for women and heart disease awareness.

Heart disease has been linked to factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and high cholesterol. Few people realize that heart disease is the number one killer of women in North America. It also happens to be largely preventable. However, this cannot be done without knowledge and support.

By participating in National Wear Red Day support goes to Alpha Phi and the fight against heart disease in women. Participation is also intended to empower women to reduce their risk. Although it may seem quite simple, National Wear Red Day portrays a powerful message.

“Please support National Wear Red Day by wearing red on Feb. 2,” said Lizzi Volk, Alpha Phi president. “It is a great way to show support and contribute to research on America’s number one killer.”

Alpha Phi will be campaigning to “Paint the Campus Red” to provide support and awareness of heart disease. They will have a table set up in the Memorial Union where they will be selling cardiac care T-shirts, Go Red bracelets and red dress pins.