About Us

To achieve our mission and vision, the National Forum focuses on advancing health equity and the implementation of the ABCS (appropriate Aspirin use, Blood pressure management, Cholesterol control, and Smoking cessation) to prevent heart disease and stroke. Our overarching goal is to eliminate cardiovascular health disparities and achieve health equity. We define health equity as “attainment of the highest level of health for all people” and recognize that achieving health equity requires valuing everyone equally with focused and ongoing societal efforts to address avoidable inequalities, historical and contemporary injustices, and the elimination of health and health care disparities.

The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together the most dynamic and diverse 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 uniquely inclusive, transparent, and consensus-building. 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 2021-22 Strategic Plan sets a new 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 sharpens the National Forum’s new mission to achieve health equity and optimize cardiovascular health and well-being throughout the 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.

If your organization shares our commitment to preventing heart disease and stroke, and eradicating cardiovascular health disparities, consider joining the more than 90 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)

We hope you will consider contributing to the National Forum. There are two ways that you can donate.

The National Forum is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Our Framework: Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke: Ten-Year Update The Ten-Year Update provides a framework for individuals, organizations, and agencies to collaboratively achieve national goals for preventing heart disease and stroke.

Our Policy on Corporate and Foundation Support and Relationships ensures transparency and integrity in the National Forum’s dealings with sponsors.

Review our Bylaws.