SEATTLE, 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[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, 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 Washington accomplishments include advocating for healthy public policies like Washington’s Clean Indoor Air Law, which protects us from the dangers of secondhand smoke indoors, and a law that ensures 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 Washingtonians; raised awareness among women of cardiovascular disease as their greatest health threat through Go Red for Women; taught Washington 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 Washington,” said Bill Robertson, chief executive officer, MultiCare Health System and board chairperson of the American Heart Association, Washington. “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 Robertson. “MultiCare has been proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association 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 Washington. 21 Washington area donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:

  • Bobbe and Jon Bridge
  • Beth and Chad Brown
  • Imelda Dacones, MD and Paul Rowland
  • Delta Dental of Washington
  • Beverly and Greg DiMartino
  • Sue and Jeff Galbraith
  • Felice and Michael Lightstone
  • The Jolene McCaw Family Foundation
  • Kris and Mark Mitchke
  • Mortenson
  • MultiCare Health System
  • Optum Care Washington
  • Pacific Source Health Plans
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Providence Health Plan
  • Regence BlueShield
  • Barbara Richardson and Kent Fisher
  • Della and Bill Robertson
  • Skanska
  • Swinerton
  • Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

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 Whitney Medil, 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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington find us at heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling (206) 336-7200. 

For Media Inquiries:

Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org