The Gingrich Foundation is pleased to designate the American Heart Association as its Charity of the Month for February.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2019 alone, it claimed the lives of 659,041 people in America – taking 59, 440 more lives than all cancers. In fact, heart disease kills more people in the United States than accidents, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease combined.
Nearly half of all Americans (47 percent) have one of three major risk factors for heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or a smoking addiction.
Preventing, treating, and ultimately curing this disease is an urgent priority for millions of Americans.
Since it was founded 98 years ago, the American Heart Association has been the nation’s leading organization dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health. Today, AHA operates offices or training programs in every U.S. state and territory and coordinates millions of volunteers in support of its public health mission.
The American Heart Association funds basic science and research focused on preventing heart disease and stroke. Its awards have supported many of the most important research milestones in cardiovascular health during the past half century.
AHA is also a leading provider of practical, everyday information people can use to improve their heart health. This includes recipes, exercises, and advice for stress relief.
In addition to its important work on scientific research, the Association is also the country’s leading provider of CPR training. Its education programs save countless lives each year by giving health professionals and members of the public the instruction they need to respond to critical medical emergencies.
Finally, AHA is a tireless advocate of public health through increased awareness of the risks of heart disease and the best behaviors for people to live a healthy lifestyle.
Please join us in supporting the American Heart Association today.