2021-22 Annual Report
We must stand together
Greetings from our CEO and chairman of the board and president
Advocating for Systems Change
We know that cardiovascular disease causes 17 million deaths worldwide every year. That’s why we are standing up to the scourge of tobacco companies, bringing lifesaving research innovations to market and working relentlessly to give everyone the chance to eat healthier.
Standing Up to Tobacco Companies
Flavored tobacco products contribute to higher rates of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
A Stanford and AHA report documented tobacco companies have intentionally marketed their deadly products to Black, Hispanic and young people. The results have been tragically effective: 85% of Black and 48% of Hispanic people who smoke use menthol. More than half of teenagers who start smoking begin with menthol. Flavored tobacco products contribute to higher rates of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
Through our Tobacco Endgame strategy, we’re determined to end this blight.
You’re the Cure buoyed the federal government’s proposed regulations to remove menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars from the market, with more than 4,100 online comments supporting the rules.
No Surprise Billing: Advocating for the No Surprises Act
“Thanks to the No Surprises Act, patients suffering from cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke can now focus on their urgent medical needs and not have to worry about receiving a financially devastating surprise bill,” American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said.
After four years of dedicated work by our nationwide network of grassroots advocates, the No Surprises Act has taken effect, shielding people from unexpected bills and financial disaster.
Surprise medical billing occurs when a patient is billed directly for out-of-network medical care they thought their insurance would cover. These bills can amount to thousands of dollars.
“Thanks to the No Surprises Act, patients suffering from cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke can now focus on their urgent medical needs and not have to worry about receiving a financially devastating surprise bill,” American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said.
Empowering Healthier Communities
We know that everyone should have the same opportunity to be healthy — but they don’t. We are improving health within a community with solutions from people within the community through our Social Impact Funds. We’re also advocating for laws and policies that help people access care, avoid tobacco and eat healthier. And we’re working to expand Medicaid in all states.
Investing in Communities
Local farm addressing food insecurity
Food insecurity is a major roadblock to health equity. Atlanta Harvest is a path through. Farmers Raphaela Ysrael and EliYahu Ysrael say funding from the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund has been a big boost to their efforts – which are making a huge difference for the people in the community.
Standing Up for Healthy Policies
Leading efforts in 39 states to extend postpartum coverage for mothers benefiting from Medicaid.
Rallying to combat flavored tobacco sales in 19 communities.
Helping to stop tobacco-related preemption in 10 states.
Advocating for coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring under Medicaid.
Helping to pass Healthy School Meals for All in four states: Washington, California, Maine and Vermont.
Improving Care for All
Working for Better Care in Rural Areas
But we’re not standing for those disparities.
The New Number for Heart Health
Based on more than a decade of fresh science, we revamped the components identified as crucial to achieving ideal cardiovascular health and added one: sleep.
Life’s Simple 7™ has become Life’s Essential 8™. Based on more than a decade of fresh science, we revamped the components identified as crucial to achieving ideal cardiovascular health and added one: sleep. The eight components can be divided between behaviors and health factors. Collectively, they represent a pathway to better health by reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke and other major problems, such as cancer and dementia.
Life’s Essential 8 also provides sharper tools to measure cardiovascular health. We’ve revised definitions and metrics, assessed it in the context of the life course and acknowledged the importance of social and economic factors.
All of this culminates in a 100-point measure of heart health available online.
Life's Essential 8™ — Your checklist for lifelong good health
Survivor Stories: Inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke
Fueling Scientific Discoveries
We know that research saves and improves lives. That’s why we’ve funded Strategically Focused Research Networks, bringing researchers and institutions together to tackle critical health issues. We also invested in research teams studying COVID-19’s effects on heart and brain health. And we funded new research and support to reduce health inequities.
Research Networks Delve Into Inequities
The Science of Diversity in Clinical Trials
Health Equity Research Networks
Disparities in Maternal-Infant Health Outcomes
Research Funding Includes Investigating COVID-19
Financial Highlights
| Public Support and Other Revenue (in thousands) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $260,239 | 29.6% |
| Net Special Events | $263,274 | 29.9% |
| Bequests | $95,880 | 10.9% |
| Other Public Support | $17,847 | 2.0% |
| CPR Training Revenue | $268,499 | 30.5% |
| Other Revenue | ($25,090) | -2.9% |
| Total Income | $880,649 | |
Download Financial Highlights (PDF)(link opens in new window)
| Expenses (in thousands) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Research | $172,164 | 18.9% |
| Public Health Education | $262,646 | 28.8% |
| Professional Education and Training | $253,499 | 27.8% |
| Community Services | $63,909 | 7.0% |
| Management and General | $70,291 | 7.7% |
| Fundraising | $89,671 | 9.8% |
| Total Expenses | $912,180 | |
| Total Net Assets | $1,112,207 | |
Download Financial Highlights (PDF)(link opens in new window)
Environmental, Social and Governance Report
The American Heart Association’s inaugural ESG report details efforts to ensure our organization is a relevant, responsible, ethical and transparent force for the health of our communities and our planet.
Read the full ESG Report (PDF)(link opens in new window)
2021-22 National Board of Directors
Officers
- Raymond P. Vara, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Honolulu, HI - Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, FAHA
President
Chicago, IL - Marsha Jones
Chairman-elect
Port Saint Lucie, FL - Michelle Albert, MD, MPH, FAHA
President-elect
San Francisco, CA - Bertram L. Scott
Immediate Past Chairman
Charlotte, NC - Mitchell S. V. Elkind, MD, MS, FAHA
Immediate Past President
New York, NY - Lee Shapiro
Treasurer
Chicago, IL
Directors
- Mary Ann Bauman, MD
Seattle, WA - Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA
Bayou La Batre, AL - Douglas S. Boyle
Kiawah Island, SC - Keith Churchwell, MD, FAHA
New Haven, CT - Shawn A. Dennis
Middleton, WI - Linda Gooden
Riva, MD - Tom Greco
Raleigh, NC - Ron W. Haddock
Dallas, TX - Robert A. Harrington, MD, FAHA
Stanford, CA - Joseph Loscalzo, MD, PHD, FAHA
Boston, MA - Cheryl Pegus, MD, MPH
Las Vegas, NV - Ileana Piña, MD, FAHA
Detroit, MI - James J. Postl
Houston, TX - Marcella Roberts
Birmingham, AL - Jorge Saucedo, MD, MBA, FAHA
Milwaukee, WI - Lee Schwamm, MD, FAHA
Boston, MA - Svati Shah, MD, MS, MHS, FAHA
Durham, NC - John J. Warner, MD, FAHA
Dallas, TX - Thomas Pina Windsor
Philadelphia, PA