The American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of bold hearts progress in Oregon and southwest Washington
PORTLAND, Oregon, June 13, 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 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 with the American Heart Association, Oregon and southwest Washington 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.
In Oregon and southwest Washington accomplishments include advocating for healthy public policies like indoor clean air laws, which protect us from the dangers of secondhand smoke indoors, and laws that ensure all newborns are screened for critical congenital heart defects before leaving the hospital through a painless and inexpensive test. The Association has taught CPR to generations of Oregonians and Washingtonians; raised awareness among women of cardiovascular disease as their greatest health threat through Go Red for Women; taught our kids about maintaining a healthy heart through our Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school programs; and worked to ensure local heart and stroke patients have access to the latest science-based treatments via our hospital programs.
“There is so much to celebrate on a national scale and right here in Oregon and southwest Washington,” said Don Antonucci, Providence Health Plan president and CEO and American Heart Association 2024 Oregon and southwest Washington Heart and Stroke Walk chairperson. “However, until heart disease and stroke are defeated, we know the American Heart Association’s work is not finished. The 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. This includes $87 million in research grants for scientists at institutions like the University of Washington and Washington State University since 1969.
“As the Association closes out its first 100 years and begins the next, recent risk factor trends and projections indicate that this work remains ever more relevant,” said Antonucci. “Providence Health Plan has been proud to work with the American Heart Association providing health for all for many years because we know that no one health organization can achieve these bold health goals alone. I am grateful to our community for the passion and commitment they give to support the Association’s important mission and their work to create a healthier future for all of us.”
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 Oregon and southwest Washington. Nine local donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:
- Providence Health Plan
- OHSU Health
- Cambia Health Foundation
- HL Stearns Lighting and Controls
- Brain Rehab Network
- OnPoint Community Credit Union
- JH Kelly
- Don and Julie Antonucci
- Jon and Kelli Gehrs
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 Meredith Collett, executive director, American Heart Association, Washington 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, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jay Wintermeyer: jay.wintermeyer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
