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ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION TURNS 100 When the American Heart Association was founded June 10, 1924, heart disease was considered a death sentence. There was no treatment, no hope. But the Association’s founders didn’t believe that. From the humble beginnings of six physicians convening at the Drake Hotel in Chicago in 1924 to today’s powerhouse with over 32 million volunteers, supporters and donors, the Association has helped transform what was once a death sentence into a narrative of hope and resilience. Throughout the Stanislaus, Sacramento region, and Greater Valley, they have made a tremendous impact in increasing access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods, building and strengthening systems of care to identify and treat high blood pressure and in the realm of tobacco and e-cigarette education and prevention for the lives of millions of Californians. As a result of its collaborative health initiatives throughout the year, more than half a million people are able to access services and resources that improve health, including nutritious food, tools to manage high blood pressure and higher quality, lower-barrier health care. More than 880,000 residents in our region are nutrition insecure. Through its efforts, the Association has impacted the lives of 652,330 people with the increase in nutrition security. The Association has also united with clinical and community organizations to enact sustainable health improvements through policy, systems and environmental changes. Through 22 projects, they help combat health inequities among local communities. As a result, they have met more than 400,000 people where they are at various community resource and health fairs throughout the region that include churches, schools, workplaces, events, and more. Employees are reached through the Hard Hats with Heart initiative and are working toward a healthier lifestyle by engaging in heart health activities like on-site blood pressure screenings and wellness challenges. Through both the work in clinics and in the field, the Association is raising awareness and providing education, helping reach employees where they are in the work field and at home. They are also at several church health fairs and other events in the community talking about mental well-being as it relates to total health and wellness. And there is more! This year, they made it their mission to train a new generation of lifesavers. The Association has implemented the CPR in Schools initiative, helping train youth in Hands- Only CPR as well as heart attack and stroke warning signs. The Association’s overall $5.7 billion investment in cardiovascular research has saved lives and rewritten the fate of countless people worldwide. But there is much more work to do – and more lives to save. As the American Heart Association embarks on the next 100 years, learn more on how you can support by visiting Heart.org or checking out their local social media channels at @AHANorthernCA on Facebook and Instagram, and @AHACalifornia on Twitter.
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