Mission Statement:

“To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.”

I could not agree more with the mission of the American Heart Association. I am especially dedicated to AHA initiatives, as the purpose of the organization marches in-step with my primary platform; working to prevent childhood obesity.

The American Heart Association made its public debut in late 1948 during a network radio contest, “The Walking Man,” on the “Truth or Consequences” program hosted by Ralph Edwards. Millions of Americans sent contributions to the AHA along with guesses on the walking man’s identity. The effort netted $1.75 million before Jack Benny was identified as the “Walking Man.”

A small national staff in New York City then began to organize American Heart Association divisions across the country. They launched the first national fund-raising campaign the following year in February 1949, raising $2.7 million.

Since 1949, the American Heart Association has grown rapidly in size, financial resources, involvement with medical and non-medical volunteers, and influence — both nationally and internationally. The AHA moved the National Center from New York City to Dallas in 1975 to better serve affiliates and local divisions nationwide. The volunteer-led affiliates and their divisions form a national network of local AHA organizations involved in providing research, education, and community programs and in raising money to support the association’s work. The network continues to gain strength as it expands at the grass-roots level.

Childhood Obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. This is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start kids on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Please Visit the American Heart Association website to learn more.