WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7, 2020 — President-elect Biden today announced his nominees for key public health positions in his incoming administration. The American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, released the following statement:
“We look forward to working with the incoming Biden administration and its experienced public health team to support policies that promote longer, healthier lives for everyone, everywhere.
“Without question, the new administration’s top priority must be to address the COVID-19 pandemic, which poses elevated health risks for people with cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, and may lead to heart attacks, stroke, blood pressure abnormalities and other issues in people who have had the virus.
“Urgent action is needed to address the pandemic’s disproportionate burden on Black and Hispanic communities. Research studies of the American Heart Association’s new COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry released last month found that Hispanic and Black adults with COVID-19 were far more likely to be hospitalized than their white counterparts, as were people with obesity and COVID-19. These and numerous other studies make it clear that the public health response to this pandemic must prioritize communities of color and people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease and a history of stroke.
“Our commitment to equitable health for everyone requires us to address racial and economic inequities aimed at improving access to quality health care, preventing tobacco and nicotine use, funding cardiovascular disease research and prevention programs and encouraging healthy eating and active living. We remain a trusted partner to all government leaders in the shared pursuit of longer, healthier lives for everyone in America.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries please contact:
Suniti Sarah Bal – 916-390-1860; suniti.bal@heart.org