ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 10, 2024 — Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths in the United States from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. June 10 commemorates the official founding of the Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. After a century of saving lives, the organization looks to its second century of providing health and hope for everyone everywhere.

The American Heart Association has helped save and improve lives, launched scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the nation, including Alaska. These bold moves have helped transform the nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. View the historical timeline of the American Heart Association to see the accomplishments made since the Association’s founding. Locally in Alaska, the Association has supported the advancement of care for heart and stroke patients through science-based guidelines for hospitals, clinics and EMS providers, connected rural Alaskans with self-monitoring blood pressure programs, and expanded access to nutrition security across the state, to name just a few.

“Although we’ve made significant progress, we still have more to do in realizing the American Heart Association’s mission of heart and brain health for all,” said Ella Goss, MSN, RN, Western States board member, American Heart Association, and chief executive, Providence Alaska. “The Association encourages every individual, company, school, and community to come together in reshaping the future of health—not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones and the environments where we live, work, and play. Looking to the next 100 years, we each have the power to enhance well-being and ignite hope to create the healthy future everyone deserves.”

The achievements of the American Heart Association over the past century have already resulted in more than $5.7 billion invested in cardiovascular scientific research – the largest investment outside of the federal government – made possible by the passion of community-based volunteers, donors and employees.

“I’m proud to be part of the American Heart Association as we enter our second century,” said Kristin George, executive director, American Heart Association, Alaska. “The Association’s work remains even more important today, considering recent risk factor trends and projections. We’re grateful to the community for their continued passion and commitment to the mission. Their support makes it possible for the Association to advance scientific discovery and health outcomes today and in the years to come.”

Reaching the Association’s bold goals is made possible because of like-minded individuals and organizations who share in the vision of better health for all Alaskans. The leading organizations across the state that have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors include Providence Alaska, Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and LifeMed Alaska. The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.

To see the new short film, “24 – a short film from the Heart” and learn more about accomplishments in the first 100 years of the American Heart Association or how to participate in the Second Century campaign, visit heart.org/centennial or contact Kristin George (kristin.george@heart.org), executive director, Alaska, for more information. 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

 

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org