The American Heart Association Founders Day celebrates 100 years of success fighting heart disease and stroke; heart disease deaths cut in half since founding
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2024) – Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths in the United States from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half[1]. 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 Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities are celebrating 100 years of collaboration as the organization looks to its second century of providing health and hope for everyone everywhere.
Since 1949, the Association has invested more than $5.7 billion in research, supporting more than 47,000 projects, including work by 15 Nobel Prize-winning scientists. These efforts have led to groundbreaking medical advancements including the artificial heart valve, CPR techniques, implantable pacemakers and drug-coated stents. In 2022-23 alone, the Association funded 868 new projects with a total investment of $178 million.
View the historical timeline of the American Heart Association to see accomplishments made since the Association’s founding.
“We realize that our work is not yet finished,” says Grasford W. Smith, chairman of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County Board of Directors. “The American Heart Association is encouraging every individual, company, school and community to unite in changing the future of health – not only for ourselves – but for our loved ones and everyone in the places we live, work and play. Today and every day, we can improve health and inspire hope for the future everyone deserves.”
The achievements of the American Heart Association over the past century were made possible by the passion of community-based volunteers, donors and employees.
“As we close out our first 100 years and begin the next, recent risk factor trends and projections indicate our work remains even more important,” says Fontaine Timmer, DNP and president of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County Board. “We know we can’t achieve our bold goals alone and are grateful to this local community for the passion and commitment they give in support of the mission.”
Ten area donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors:
- Florida Power & Light Company
- HCA Florida Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation
- Iliana Rentz
- Jim Toffey
- Lugano Diamonds
- Orangetheory Fitness
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
- Patrick and Milly Park, Park Foundation
- Tampa General Hospital
- TBC Corporation
The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.
Contact PBC@Heart.org to get locally engaged with the American Heart Association.
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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 and X.