Jose Garcia Paves the Way in Local American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart Campaign

ST. LOUIS, May 8, 2026 — Heart disease disproportionately affects the construction industry. The highly stressful and physically demanding nature of the work often leads to increased rates of cardiac arrest and heart attacks. That’s why the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives, has announced Jose Garcia, president of Alberici Constructors, Inc., as chair of the 2026 St. Louis Hard Hats with Heart campaign. Hard Hats with Heart is a construction industry-specific initiative from the American Heart Association aimed at improving the cardiovascular health of construction workers.

The campaign focuses on integrating health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives that help employees improve their health. These include providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reduction programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease and teaching CPR. Workers in the construction industry are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In fact, 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease ^[1].

“The Hard Hats with Heart campaign focuses on what matters most — reducing risk, improving health, and ensuring the people who build our communities are protected on and off the project site,” Garcia said. “I’m grateful to be part of an industry coming together to advance this work.”

“We’re excited to have Jose lead the Hard Hats with Heart initiative this year,” Beth Burks, vice president of development at the American Heart Association Missouri said. “His passion, commitment to the community, and dedication to advancing heart and brain health make him an outstanding choice to serve as chair. We look forward to working closely with him and building on the momentum of Hard Hats with Heart to create a lasting impact across the St. Louis region.”

For more information on Hard Hats with Heart St. Louis visit www.heart.org/stlouishardhats or contact.

^[1] https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Niosh-whc/chart/brfss-chronic?OU=CVD&T=O&V=R2