DAYTON – February is Heart Health Awareness Month and there are many activities and promotions taking place in Dayton.

Columbia County Health System is asking businesses to spread the message of heart health by decorating their windows. Take the time to check out the many windows around town that have been decorated. Supporters are asked to wear red on Fridays in February and bright red "Rock the Beat" t-shirts are available for purchase at the Dayton General Hospital for $10.

Blue Mountain Station Co-op is sponsoring a Children's Heart Health Awareness Poster Design Contest. Kids ages 5-15 can pick up a sheet of 11-inch by 14-inch poster paper and full rules at the co-op on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Finished posters are due Saturday, Feb. 18, and will hang in the market until the end of March. Each participant will receive two dollars in Co-op Cash to use on a future visit. Three grand-prize winners in different age groups will be given.

Blood is in short supply, and donors can give blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 12:30 – 5 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish, located at 112 S. 1st St. Visit http://www.redcross.org to reserve a time slot.

On Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:30 a.m., the Backroads Club will hold the second annual Heart & Sole 5K Run & Walk. The family-friendly run/walk focuses on community health. Strollers, children and walkers are welcome.

The run will start at the baseball and soccer fields behind Dayton General Hospital. Participants will follow the river dike toward Main Street, then back past the hospital and to the end of the dike at 4th Street, turning, and finishing at the hospital parking lot for a celebration, snacks and music.

A five dollar suggested donation will be used for future community events. Visit Backroads Club on Facebook for more information.