About Us
We Improve Heart Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart Association, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials saw the need for public, private, and nonprofit organizations to share learnings and successful practices and collaborate to improve cardiovascular health. They co-founded the National Forum in 2002 to serve as the hub for that collaboration and collective voice.
Our Mission, Vision and Core Values
OUR MISSION
To spark and lead collaborative action to ensure optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health and well-being for all people through their lifespan.
OUR VISION
People throughout society living and enjoying heart healthy, stroke-free lives.
OUR CORE VALUES
• Servant Leadership: empower and optimize well-being
• Collaboration: work as a team and innovate
• Fairness: opportunity to thrive
• Integrity: keep commitments and be accountable
• Respect: treat all with dignity and worth
We Convene. We Spark Conversation. We Accelerate Collaboration.
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together a wide range of organizations in cardiovascular health to:
- Share successful strategies and practices, and lessons learned
- Discuss new ideas in a collaborative environment
- Develop, pilot, and scale innovative approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease
Members value the opportunities created by the National Forum for them to engage in discussions that are timely and transparent, consider multiple viewpoints, and build consensus. National Forum initiatives enable members to work together across sectors to develop and advance strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke in all populations.
The National Forum’s 2025 Strategic Plan sets a vision of people throughout society living heart-healthy, stroke-free lives supported by goals and approaches that draw upon the organization’s strengths as a catalyst for collaboration. It advances the National Forum’s mission to spark and lead collaborative action to ensure optimal cardiovascular health and well-being for all through their lifespan. The plan highlights environmental factors and drivers that shape our strategy.
The National Forum’s Annual Meeting convenes 100 thought leaders from over 60 public, private and nonprofit organizations, including our members and partners. Our organization’s Annual Business Meeting is held during this time, where the National Forum Awards are presented. Beginning in 2017, the National Forum released a series of reports focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke in the nation. The Signature Reports highlight trends and opportunities for improving heart health.
Join the National Forum
If your organization shares our commitment to preventing heart disease and stroke, and eradicating poor cardiovascular health outcomes, consider joining the more than 100 groups who already are National Forum members. They represent patients, health care professionals, public health, communities, research, advocacy, and industry. For more information about joining the National Forum, please contact John Clymer. (link to application)
Support the National Forum
We hope you will consider contributing to the National Forum. There are two ways that you can donate.
What We Provide
Awareness Month Hub
Each month we spotlight a cardiovascular topic with ready-to-use messages, social posts, and quick facts. Share them with your networks to raise awareness and inspire action.
Events & Convenings
Our annual meeting, mid-year convenings, and partner briefings bring together experts across sectors to turn gold-standard evidence into real-world results. Join us to learn what’s new, what works, and how to apply it in your community.
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest on convenings, resources, policy highlights, and success stories, delivered to your inbox so you never miss opportunities to learn or engage.
Physical Activity & Stretch Breaks
We make movement doable, at home, at work, and at events. Utilize our quick stretch-break guides to add energy and heart-healthy habits to any agenda.
Tools You Can Share
From talking points and infographics to short videos and slide-ready charts, our toolkits help you communicate clearly and act confidently with colleagues, partners, and the public.
Shareable Resources
Quick, ready-to-use items you can post, email, or add to event agendas.
Community & Partner Support
We amplify proven strategies, highlight local successes, and connect you with peers facing similar challenges so you can adapt solutions and accelerate progress.
Recognition & Spotlight
We elevate organizations and leaders advancing prevention, translating lessons learned into practical steps others can follow.
Action Plan, Policies & Bylaws
The National Forum is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke: Ten-Year Update The Ten-Year Update
This 2014 document provided a framework for individuals, organizations, and agencies to collaboratively achieve national goals for preventing heart disease and stroke.
Published by:
Our Policy on Corporate and Foundation Support and Relationships ensures transparency and integrity in the National Forum’s dealings with sponsors.
Review our Bylaws.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
Certificate of Good Standing in Washington, DC
Certificate of Good Standing in Georgia
