American Heart/Stroke Association

In Idaho, heart disease stands as the primary cause of mortality, accounting for 42% of all deaths each year. Stroke leads to serious disabilities and is the third most common cause of death. Our goal is to mitigate the impact of heart disease and stroke on the population. This condition affects individuals regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. More infants are born with cardiovascular system defects than any other congenital issue, and since 1984, more women have succumbed to cardiovascular diseases than men. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is notably higher among Hispanics compared to the general populace. To combat these health threats, the American Heart Association trains numerous Idaho residents in both basic and advanced CPR annually, provides a 24-hour helpline for inquiries and brochure distribution, maintains an accessible website for the public and healthcare professionals, publishes a variety of brochures and medical journals, advocates for health-supportive legislation, and runs community initiatives like Operation Heartbeat, Operation Stroke, Heart at Work, and Jump Rope for Heart. They commit to allocating at least 30% of their income to research, making them the largest funding source for cardiovascular research outside of the federal government, with some studies conducted in Idaho. The organization also hosts international conferences for healthcare professionals, and offers some brochures in Spanish.