2024 Holiday Message

Happy holidays. I'm Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. As we close out this remarkable centennial year, I want to pause and reflect on the incredible impact we have made together. To our volunteers, donors, advocates, partners, and staff, thank you. Your unwavering support has driven our mission forward in extraordinary ways, from groundbreaking research, life-saving CPR training, and powerful advocacy efforts, we've had a profound impact on patients, caregivers, families, and communities. Since our first grant was issued in 1949, we've invested nearly $6 billion in research funding. This year alone, we awarded more than $218 million in research grants, our largest ever year for science investment. Advocates across the nation helped us achieve a record-breaking 189 public policy wins, including the recent passage of the HEARTS Act, inspired by DeMar Hamlin, which will ensure schools are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. We also defined cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome for the very first time, and announced a four-year initiative to close gaps in care for the one in three U.S. adults at risk, and we launched AHA Ventures to help power new innovations in health technology, science, and social impact. As part of this effort, we announced a bold $75 million Go Red for Women Venture Fund to help close gaps in funding for women's health solutions. These are just a few of the many accomplishments your generosity, your time, and your personal stories have made possible. We have so much to be proud of, and as we look ahead to our second century, I'm filled with gratitude and with hope. From all of us at the American Heart Association, thank you for helping to light the way to a brighter, healthier future. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.