The American Heart Association. Focus on public advocacy issues.

The American Heart Association is a large volunteer organization whose mission is to reduce disability and death due to heart disease and stroke. However, working in isolation, the Association has limited potential to achieve its goals. We must work as individuals, as an organization, and in coalition with other organizations to direct major public policy issues. Only in this way can we bring about substantial change on a national level. Some public advocacy accomplishments, and major priorities for the present and future, are reviewed. Readers are invited to lend their support.