Fresno, Calif., 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 with the American Heart Association, 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. Locally in the Central Valley, the Association has helped expand access to lifesaving CPR skills, ensured local heart and stroke patients are connected to the latest science-based treatments via our hospital programs, and supported community members managing high blood pressure with tools and resources for better blood pressure control. View the historical timeline of the American Heart Association’s accomplishments since 1924.
“There is so much to celebrate nationally, as well as here in the Central Valley,” said Kurt Vote, chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Central Valley board. “However, until heart disease and stroke are defeated, we know there will still be more work to do. The American Heart 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. In California specifically, the Association has funded more than $600 million in research grants for scientists at institutions in the state.
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 everyone. The Association is grateful to the many individuals and organizations that have donated time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors across the state, including Anthem locally in the Central Valley.
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 Andrea Melendez Fuentes, Development Director, Central Valley, at Andrea.Melendezfuentes@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. Find the Central Valley office at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Lily Gordon; lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
