Knoxville, TN — Pilot is launching its eighth consecutive annual fundraiser this February, partnering with the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to combat heart disease and stroke. The initiative runs from February 1 through February 16 at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Travel Centers, providing a venue for the trucking industry to contribute to medical research and heart health education.

Heart disease remains a critical concern for the trucking industry, where long hours and the sedentary nature of the job often pose significant risks to cardiovascular health. By leveraging its vast network of locations, the company aims to turn routine fuel and food stops into a platform for raising funds. The campaign focuses on the American Heart Association’s Life is Why initiative, which directs capital toward life-saving research and public health programming.

Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the program reflects a broader commitment to safety that extends beyond road-ready requirements. The company is also integrating internal wellness initiatives, offering employees free CPR training and blood pressure screenings. These efforts are designed to address the high prevalence of heart-related health issues that impact long-haul workers, providing resources that are often difficult to access while on the road.

What This Means for Drivers

Any CDL-A driver passing through a participating location can contribute by purchasing paper hearts at the register for $1, $3, or $5. As a token of appreciation for those supporting the cause, Pilot is providing a complimentary cup of hot coffee of any size via the myRewards Plus app. Owner-operators and OTR truck driver professionals can also choose to round up their total purchase to the nearest dollar on the pin pad during checkout to ensure their spare change supports the foundation.

Industry Reaction

While industry groups have long pushed for better health outcomes for long-haul drivers, initiatives like this highlight the role large-scale travel centers play in wellness outreach. With many trucking companies hiring and focusing on driver retention, providing access to preventative health screenings is becoming a standard feature of a well-rounded safety culture. By normalizing these conversations at the fuel island, stakeholders are attempting to mitigate the long-term health risks associated with the profession.

Key Points

• The fundraising campaign is scheduled to run from February 1 through February 16.
• Donations can be made via paper heart purchases or by rounding up transaction totals on the pin pad.
• Participating drivers receive a free hot coffee through the myRewards Plus app after purchasing a paper heart.
• Internal company initiatives include providing staff with blood pressure screenings and CPR certification resources.

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