IRVINE, CA, June 9, 2023 — June 10 commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Leading up to the Association’s June 2024 centennial, Orange County is celebrating the organization’s 99 years of work as the organization looks to build its next century of equitable health for all.
Since 1924, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves have helped transform the nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates.
“We pledge to continue our relentless work to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community across the country,” said OC Board President, Pranav M. Patel, MD., Chief, Division of Cardiology UC Irvine. “We remain steadfast on our journey to transform heart and brain health and to ensure all people have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association was founded by six cardiologists, but the distinguished achievements of the organization for the past century are the result of more than $5 billion invested in scientific research and the passion of more than 40 million volunteers, supporters and employees.
“As we close out our first 100 years and begin the next, our work remains as important as ever. We are just getting started on the next chapter of our relentless work to end heart disease and stroke,” said OC Board Chair Mike Myers, Regional President, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. “We know that we can’t achieve our monumental goals alone and are grateful to the Orange County community for the passion and commitment they give to support the mission of the American Heart Association.”
The signature events of the Orange County American Heart Association have named event chairs that will drive the Association into the next century. These 3 chairpersons have demonstrated the bold leadership needed to catapult the American Heart Association’s next 100 years of relentless work and transformative innovation.
The American Heart Association’s centennial is a celebration of the lifesaving achievements and shared vision for a bold second century that will exponentially advance heart and brain health. The Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate for federal, state and local policies to drive healthier lifestyles.
Reaching bold goals is made possible because of like-minded individuals and organizations who share in the vision of better health for Orange County. Eight area donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent, and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:
- CoreLogic
- Deloitte
- Johnson & Johnson MedTech
- Mary & John Tu Foundation
- McCarthy Building Companies
- Platinum Storage
- Providence
- UCI Health
The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.
To 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/FoundersDay.
###
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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Daniel Ruacho 480-773-2355 or at daniel.ruacho@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
