History of the America Heart Association

Foundation

The AmericaHeart Association was founded in New York City in 1915. Initially, the association was named the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease. The history of the America Heart Association began with founding members mainly comprising of scientists and medical professionals. With little to no knowledge of heart disease, researchers hoped to conduct more studies to find out more and share their findings with the general public.

Interest grew to cities such as Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and even reached all the way to Canada in the 1920s. As popularity of the America Heart Association grew, the necessity for more donations grew as well. Before too long, the America Heart Association grew more popular on a national level, receiving more support and donations for heart disease research.

Breakthrough  

  

Although the history of the America Heart Association had a promising beginning, there was a breakthrough. In 1948 during a radio contest, "The Walking Man," listeners were informed of the AHA and were encouraged to send donations. The AHA managed to raise 1.75 million before Jack Benny was announced as the Walking Man. The next year, the AHA raised 2.7 million for heart disease research.

The America Heart Association grew as the staff began employing volunteers. Scientists and physicians were conducting research, but raising awareness was emphasized. The volunteers served a vital role in educating the general public on heart disease and its risk factors and fundraising campaigns. In 1975, the National Center moved from New York City to Dallas, a precursor for subsequent years.

Later Years to the Present

  

By the 1980s, healthcare became a primary concern for heart patients. In addition, the staff of the America Heart Association became more diverse, employing women and minorities. This shift reached reached a wider audience for a better understanding of heart disease. As a result, reasearching the association between women and minorities with heart disease emerged.

In the 1990s, research was no longer confined to scientists and medical professionals. Physicians and American households were able to obtain knowledge on current research. Technology was a tool that acted as a source of this knowledge which AHA took full advantage of. In spite of the growing technology and the evolution of the AHA, the roots were still in place.

The history of the America Heart Association can be summed up as an evolution while remaining faithful to its mission from 1915. The America Heart Association is now a world-renowed enterprise, employed by mostly volunteers who are dedicated to raise funds for research and raise awareness to their local communities. The America Heart Association has competed with the Tobacco Industry, but has prevailed for over 100 years.