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On February 22, Diet Coke kicked it old school and hosted a “Capture The Flag” tournament to raise awareness and funds for the West End Medical Centers and DeKalb Medical Cardiac Rehab. Female student athletes from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) played a "Capture the Flag" tournament at the CAU Vivian Henderson Gymnasium, with each team representing one of the organizations. At the end of the tournament, the West End Medical Centerd received a $10,000 check, with the DeKalb Medical Cardiac Rehab receiving a $5,000 donation.

The Heart Truth®, a national awareness campaign sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is embraced by millions of people who share the goal of better heart health for all women. For the fourth year in a row, Diet Coke is supporting the campaign and using its cans and bottles, advertising and digital assets to reach people to raise awareness and funding for heart health programs across the country.

“We all know a woman who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease—mother, wife, sister, friend—that’s why we joined Diet Coke in its continuing commitment to The Heart Truth® campaign. We know how important it is to educate people about the importance of heart health,” said Dr. Michael Brooks, President West End Medical Centers, a 501c3, federally qualified community health center. “In addition, the tournament was a fun way for the student players and the fans to get our hearts pumping while we helped raise funds for local heart health programs.”

“At the Coca-Cola Company, our operating philosophy is to Live Positively, and The Heart Truth® campaign very much embodies that idea. We are dedicated to encouraging new generations of people to be active, stay extraordinary and become advocates for heart health,” said Coca-Cola spokesperson Linda Brigham.

Those who couldn’t make it to the game can play “Capture the Flag” online throughout the month of February, American Heart Month. Simply visit DietCoke.com/HeartTruth and capture a flag. Each flag captured triggers a donation. This initiative is part of the continuing commitment of Diet Coke to women’s heart health. For the second year in a row, Diet Coke cans and bottles will have a new look throughout the month of February. The limited-edition packaging will include a stick figure carrying a heart flag, communicating how Diet Coke is supporting The Heart Truth®. In addition to the limited-edition cans and bottles, more than six billion packages of Diet Coke will carry The Heart Truth ® logo to raise awareness of women’s heart health year-round.

The Heart Truth® campaign has made great strides in raising awareness, but heart disease is still the number one killer among women. More people are becoming aware, but it remains a fact that more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined. There is still more work to do, so together, Diet Coke and The Heart Truth® campaign hope to continue generating awareness and motivating women to take action for heart health.

To participate, visit DietCoke.com/HeartTruth to capture a flag and generate a donation for heart health programs funded by NHLBI’s Heart Truth®. The more involved people are in the campaign, the more funds will be raised.

About The Coca-Cola Company:

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater®, Powerade®, Minute Maid®, Simply® and Georgia®. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About The Heart Truth Campaign:

The Heart Truth® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through the campaign, NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth® is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by NHLBI. The Red Dress® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action. For more information, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

Tags: American Heart Month, Capture The Flag, CAU, Clark Atlanta University, Coca-Cola Zero®, DeKalb Medical Cardiac Rehab, Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Georgia®, HHS, Live Positively, Minute Maid®, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, NHLBI, Powerade®, Red Dress®, Simply®, Sprite®, The Coca-Cola Company, The Heart Truth®, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vitaminwater®, Vivian Henderson Gymnasium, West End Medical Centers