The American Heart Association Founders Day celebrates 100 years of success fighting heart disease and stroke; heart disease deaths cut in half since founding
BOSTON, 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. 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 Greater Boston community 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.
Local 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 Massachusetts newborns are screened for critical congenital heart defects before leaving the hospital through a painless and inexpensive test. The Association has also taught CPR to generations of Massachusetts residents; 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’s so much to celebrate—both nationally and here in Greater Boston,” said Tom Lee, partner at Zozimus and volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Greater Boston Board of Directors. “But until heart disease and stroke are defeated, the American Heart Association’s work remains unfinished. We’re calling on individuals, companies, schools, and communities to join us in creating a healthier future, not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones and the communities where we live, work, and play. Together, we can make a difference every day, building a brighter, healthier future that 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.
“I’m proud to be part of the American Heart Association as we enter our second century,” said Karen Whitefield, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Boston. “Today, the Association’s mission is more vital than ever, given recent trends in risk factors and future health projections. We’re incredibly grateful to our community for their ongoing passion and commitment. Their support drives the Association’s efforts to advance scientific discovery and improve health outcomes now and for generations to come.”
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 Greater Boston. Eleven local donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors. The leading organizations and generous individuals include:
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
- Casana
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals
- Natalie and Barry Greene
- Dorene and Thomas McCourt
- Katherine A. Morello
- Lantheus
- Reebok
- Sage Therapeutics
- Heidi and Tedy Bruschi / Tedy’s Team Foundation
- UnitedHealthcare
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 Karen Whitefield at karen.whitefield@heart.org.
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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:
Chris Camire: chris.camire@heart.org.
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)