The American Heart Association, or AHA, is a voluntary health agency dedicated to the treatment, prevention and education of cardiovascular disease. In addition to advocating many federal programs that promote health-increasing activities, the AHA provides health education through a variety of initiatives and educational tools designed to empower individuals to take control of their health.
Mission
The AHA's mission statement undergoes a formal review process every third year. According to the 2007 mission statement, the organization's mission is to build "healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke," with the specific goal of reducing coronary heart disease, stroke and risk of these conditions by 25 percent by 2010. Indicators used to measure progress toward that goal include reducing the death rate from coronary heart disease, reducing the popularity of smoking and eliminating the growth of diabetes and obesity.
History
The first Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease was formed in 1915 by a group of physicians and social workers in New York City who were concerned about the lack of information available on heart disease at the time. During the early 1920s, similar groups formed in Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. These regional groups recognized the need for a national organization for sharing research and promoting further study, and in 1924 cardiologists representing six different organizations formed the American Heart Association.
Advocacy
Issues supported by the AHA include heart and stroke medical research, heart disease and stroke prevention, disparities in health care, obesity prevention, tobacco control and equal access to health care. According to the AHA 2008 Advocacy brochure, the American Heart Association "is the leading advocate for sound federal policy and actions" that support life-saving activities, such as improved diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation. The AHA is active in briefing members of the U.S. Congress, federal agency officials and the media about health priorities, such as physical education in schools and disparities in the treatment of heart disease. Some of the policies and programs the AHA supports include the National Institutes of Health, the HEART for Women Act, FIT Kids, the Federal Excise Tax on Cigarettes and the STOP Stroke Act.
Causes and Programs
As part of its mission to fight heart disease and stroke and raise awareness of these diseases, the AHA operates initiatives designed to help people live a heart-healthy lifestyle. AHA cause initiatives provide the public with information and resources, empowering individuals to play a positive role in their own health. Go Red For Women was created in 2004 to raise awareness of heart disease as the number-one killer of women. Start! promotes walking as the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded in 2005 by the AHA and the William J. Clinton Foundation, engages directly with educators, parents, health-care professionals and students to reduce the nationwide rate of childhood obesity by 2015. The American Stroke Association focuses on reducing stroke risk and death through research, education and fund raising.
Education Initiatives
The AHA offers ongoing and regular educational initiatives to inform the public about the importance of physical activities, the dangers of high blood pressure and other factors involved in living a healthy lifestyle. The AHA's partnership with Nintendo is intended to promote active play as a means of reaching recommended levels of physical activity. High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, held in May, educates the public about the risks and management of high blood pressure. The AHA web site also provides a variety of tools regarding nutrition, exercises and fitness, weight management, healthy habits for children and risk factors for various demographic groups.
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