American Heart/Stroke Association

In Idaho, heart disease is the leading cause of death, responsible for 42% of annual fatalities, while stroke ranks as the primary cause of severe disability and the third leading cause of death. Our goal is to diminish mortality and disability related to heart disease and stroke. This condition affects individuals regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. More infants are born with heart defects than any other congenital issues, and since 1984, more women have succumbed to cardiovascular disease than men. Additionally, the Hispanic community experiences a higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues compared to the general population. To combat these health threats, the American Heart Association trains numerous Idaho residents in CPR annually, maintains a 24-hour helpline for inquiries, provides a public website, and publishes various educational materials for both the public and healthcare professionals. They advocate for supportive health policies and run community initiatives like Operation Heartbeat, Operation Stroke, Heart at Work, and Jump Rope for Heart. The organization commits at least 30% of its revenue to research, making it the largest non-governmental funding source for cardiovascular research, with some studies conducted in Idaho. They also organize international conferences for healthcare professionals and offer some materials in Spanish.