Published: July 27, 2026
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 27, 2026 — An estimated 1 in 25 construction workers in the United States has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease,1 fueled by factors including long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. To help address those risk factors, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, and Charleston-area construction and design leaders are joining forces through Hard Hats with Heart, a campaign focused on improving workplace health and well-being.
The campaign’s focus is to integrate health, well-being and prevention strategies into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve health and well-being. Examples include providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease, and teaching employees CPR
Fourteen construction and design leaders will lead the Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart campaign in the Lowcountry. While many of these companies compete for business, they have united around a common goal: improving the health of the Lowcountry’s construction workforce. Keith Horton of Frampton Construction will serve as campaign chair
“I am honored to lead the Hard Hats with Heart campaign as we bring together the construction industry in Charleston for our workers’ safety and overall health,” said Keith Horton, project director, Frampton Construction, and Hard Hats with Heart chair. “Together, we can create safer workplaces that encourage healthy habits, empower workers to respond in emergencies through CPR training, and ultimately help save lives.”
Hard Hats with Heart Executive Leadership Team Members
- Keith Horton, Frampton Construction, Chair
- Blake Banks, Banks Construction
- Will Cannon, Young Office
- John Edward Griffith, Trident Construction
- Bryan Kizer, Landmark Construction
- Kara Klunk, C. Herman Construction
- Kristen Lanier, Terracon
- Paul Mashburn, Mashburn Construction
- Jim Moroney, SteelFab
- Jason Munday, SeamonWhiteside
- Chris Palmer, Choate Construction
- Kerby Teller, Crescent Lighting Solutions
- Adam Wilson, HITT
- Donnie Yavelak, Gray
“Charleston’s construction leaders are setting an important example through their continued support of Hard Hats with Heart,” said Katie Schumacher, executive director, American Heart Association – Charleston. “By investing in the health of their teams, they’re helping create safer, stronger workplaces while advancing a culture that prioritizes heart health.”
The year-round campaign culminates with an annual networking event that will take place on October 20 at the Lexus Lounge at Credit One Stadium. Top sponsors of the event include Banks Construction, Choate Construction, Frampton Construction, HITT, Hunter Balow Foundation, SeamonWhiteside, and Trident Construction. For more information about Hard Hats with Heart, visit www.heart.org/CharlestonHardHats. For information on attending or sponsoring the event, please contact CharlestonSC@heart.org
[1] wwwn.cdc.gov/Niosh-whc/chart/brfss-chronic?OU=CVD&T=O&V=R2
###
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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jessica Rodgers:Jessica.rodgers@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
