PHOENIX, June 12, 2024 — Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths in the United States from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half[1]. June 10th 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 with the American Heart Association, Greater Phoenix community is celebrating 100 years of collaboration as 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. 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 such as spearheading groundbreaking research, innovation and advocacy to fight cardiovascular disease and pioneering life-saving interventions.
“We realize that our work is not yet finished,” said Trista Loops, Chair of the American Heart Association Greater Phoenix Board of Directors and Health Plan Chief Financial Officer of Arizona Complete Health. “The American Heart Association is encouraging every individual, company, school and community to unite in changing the future of health – not only for ourselves – but for our loved ones and the places we live, work and play. Today and every day, we can improve health and inspire hope for the 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.
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 Greater Phoenix. Various local donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:
- Abrazo Health
- Arizona Complete Health
- Arkos Health
- Banner Health
- Banner University Family Care
- Barrett-Jackson Charities
- Desert Financial Credit Union
- Mayo Clinic
- Sonora Quest Laboratories
- Sun Health
The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.
The bold leadership needed to catapult the division’s next 100 years of relentless work and transformative innovation starts today. The Centennial and Second Century Leaders are:
- Dr. Ingrid Haas, Retired Physician, 2024 Phoenix Board of Directors President.
- Trista Loops, Health Plan Chief Financial Officer of Arizona Complete Health, 2024 Phoenix Board of Directors Chair.
- Mike Gonzalez, Vice President of McCarthy Building Companies, 2024 Phoenix Heart Walk Chair.
- Nora Hannah, Chief Engagement Officer of Sun Health, 2024 West Valley Heart Walk Chair.
- Martha Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Arizona Complete Health, 2024 Phoenix Go Red for Women Chair.
- Pamela Risoleo, Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, 2024 Phoenix Heart Ball Chair.
- Dr. Rachel Bond, System Director, Women’s Heart Health of Dignity Health, Arizona., 2025 Phoenix Board of Directors President.
- Jeffrey Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union, 2025 Phoenix Board of Directors Chair.
- Brian Kellar, Chief Executive Officer of Banner Baywood Medical Center, Banner Goldfield Medical Center, Banner Heart Hospital and Banner Ironwood Medical Center, 2025 Phoenix Heart Walk Chair.
- Megan Stuff, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Medical Imaging, 2025 Phoenix Go Red for Women Chair.
- Patt Watts, Cofounder and CEO of Greenlight Communities, 2025 Phoenix Heart Ball Chair.
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 phxops@heart.org 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 us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Satara Tinkler; satara.tinkler@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
