Last Updated: June 9, 2023

INTRODUCTION.

Welcome to the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention (“National Forum”). These Terms of Use (“Agreement”) govern your access to and use of the services provided by the National Forum through its website at https://www.nationalforum.org/ (“Website”). By accessing or using the Website, you agree to be bound by this Agreement.

Please read this Agreement carefully before using the Website. If you do not agree with any provision of this Agreement, you should not access or use the Website. Your continued use of the Website constitutes your acceptance of this Agreement.

The Website is intended for use by individuals who are of legal age or have appropriate parental consent. By accessing or using the Website, you represent and warrant that you meet the eligibility requirements.l

This Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for your use of the Website and the services provided by the National Forum. It governs your rights and obligations, as well as the National Forum’s rights and obligations, regarding the Website.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Agreement, please contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section of the Website.

By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by this Agreement, including any future modifications, and you represent that you have read and understood all of its provisions.

USER ELIGIBILITY.

To access and use the services provided through our Website, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Legal Age: You must be of legal age in your jurisdiction to enter into a binding agreement, or you must have appropriate parental consent to use the Website.
• Acceptance of Agreement: By accessing or using the Website, you represent and warrant that you meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above, and you agree to be bound by this Agreement.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements or do not agree with any provision of this Agreement, you should not access or use the Website. Your continued use of the Website constitutes your representation that you meet the eligibility requirements and your acceptance of this Agreement.

We reserve the right to deny access to the Website or its services to any user who does not meet the eligibility requirements or violates this Agreement.

Please note that we do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the legal age. If you believe that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a minor, please contact us immediately using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section of the Website.

USER CONDUCT.

When accessing or using our Website, you agree to abide by the following guidelines and conduct yourself in a lawful and responsible manner:

• Compliance with Laws: You must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party rights. You are solely responsible for your actions while using the Website.
• Prohibited Activities: You shall not engage in any of the following activities:
  • Posting, transmitting, or distributing any content that is unlawful, harmful, defamatory, abusive, harassing, or otherwise objectionable.
  • Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity.
  • Interfering with or disrupting the functionality of the Website, its servers, or networks connected to the Website.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to any part of the Website, accounts, or systems.
  • Collecting or storing personal information of other users without their consent.
  • Engaging in any activity that may compromise the security or integrity of the Website or any associated systems.
• User-Generated Content: If the Website allows users to post or submit content, you understand and agree that you are solely responsible for the content you post. You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights and permissions to share the content, and that it does not violate any third-party rights.
• Respect for Others: You must respect the rights and privacy of others using the Website. Do not engage in any behavior that may harass, threaten, or harm other users, or interfere with their use and enjoyment of the Website.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the termination or suspension of your access to the Website or its services. We reserve the right to take appropriate legal action against any user engaging in prohibited activities or violating this provision.

Please note that while we encourage user participation and dialogue, the views and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect our own views or opinions. We disclaim all responsibility for user-generated content and assume no liability for any such content.

PRIVACY.

We understand the importance of privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you provide when using our Website. Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information are governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into this Terms of Use Agreement.

By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge and agree that we may collect, use, and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Please note that the security and confidentiality of information transmitted over the internet cannot be guaranteed. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk.

We may use cookies and similar technologies on our Website to enhance your browsing experience and gather information about how the Website is used. By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

Third-party websites or services accessible through links on our Website may have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of such third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third-party websites or services before providing any personal information.

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy or our handling of your personal information, please refer to the contact information provided in the “Contact Us” section of this Agreement.

USER REGISTRATION.

Some features of our Website may require user registration. By registering an account, you agree to provide accurate and complete information as requested in the registration process. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

When registering an account, you agree to:

• Provide true, current, and complete information about yourself as prompted by the registration form.
• Maintain and promptly update your registration information to keep it accurate and complete.
• Choose a strong and secure password and keep it confidential. Do not share your password with anyone or allow others to access your account.
• Immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.

We reserve the right to refuse or terminate registration at our discretion. We may also suspend or terminate accounts that violate this provision or any other provision of this Terms of Use Agreement.

You acknowledge that all information provided during the registration process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

The content and materials available on our Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, videos, audio clips, and software, are the intellectual property of their respective owners and are protected by intellectual property laws, including copyright and trademark laws.

You acknowledge and agree that all intellectual property rights in the Website and its content belong to the respective owners. Except as expressly authorized by the owners or as permitted by applicable laws, you may not copy, modify, distribute, transmit, display, perform, or create derivative works of any part of the Website or its content without prior written permission from the respective owners.

You may use the Website and its content for your personal, non-commercial use only, provided that you do not remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices. Any unauthorized use of the Website or its content may violate intellectual property laws and other applicable laws.

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same. If you believe that any content on the Website infringes upon your intellectual property rights or the rights of others, please notify us promptly using the contact information provided in the “Contact Us” section of this Agreement. To facilitate the investigation of your claim, please include the following information:

• A description of the copyrighted work or other intellectual property that you claim has been infringed.
• Sufficient information to identify the allegedly infringing content on our Website, including its location.
• Your contact information, including your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
• A statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted work or other intellectual property is not authorized by the owner or the law.
• A statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that the information provided in your notice is accurate and that you are the owner of the copyrighted work or other intellectual property or authorized to act on behalf of the owner.

Upon receipt of a valid copyright infringement notice, we will promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate actions in accordance with applicable laws.

THIRD-PARTY LINKS.

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites or resources that are provided for your convenience. These links are provided solely as a reference and do not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or association with the linked websites.

You acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of any third-party websites or resources. Accessing and using such third-party websites or resources is at your own risk, and you should review the terms of use and privacy policies applicable to those websites.

We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of the linked websites. We do not guarantee the authenticity, quality, or completeness of any information, products, services, or materials available on or through any linked websites.

Please be aware that when you leave our Website and access a third-party website, you are subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policies of that website. We recommend that you read the terms of use and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

If you decide to access any third-party websites through links on our Website, you do so at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damages or losses arising from your use of or reliance on any third-party websites or resources.

NOTICE.

Any notices or communications regarding this Terms of Use Agreement or the use of our Website should be sent to the contact information provided below:

You agree that all notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

We may provide notices or communications to you through email, by posting on our Website, or through other designated means. It is your responsibility to ensure that the contact information you provide to us is accurate and up to date.

You agree to promptly notify us of any changes to your contact information or if you no longer wish to receive communications from us. We shall not be liable for any failure to deliver notices or communications that result from your failure to provide accurate contact information or to update it promptly.

Any notice or communication you send to us should be in writing and sent to the contact information provided above.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

You acknowledge and agree that the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention (“National Forum”) and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with your use of our Website.

This includes, but is not limited to, damages for loss of profits, data, or other intangible losses, even if the National Forum has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE NATIONAL FORUM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT ANY CONTENT OR INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK, AND YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM OR OTHER DEVICES AS A RESULT OF ACCESSING OR USING THE WEBSITE.

The National Forum does not warrant or make any representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content on the Website. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the correctness or timeliness of the content.

Some jurisdictions may not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain types of liability. In such cases, our liability shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the National Forum and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Website or any violation of this Terms of Use Agreement.

DISCLAIMER & SERVICE LIMITATIONS.

The information provided on our Website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the Website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the Website for any purpose.

Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. You acknowledge that any reliance on the information provided on the Website is solely at your own discretion and that you shall be solely responsible for any consequences arising from such reliance.

We do not provide medical advice or diagnosis. The content on the Website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE WEBSITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THE WEBSITE OR ITS SERVER IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT ANY MATERIAL OR INFORMATION DOWNLOADED OR OTHERWISE OBTAINED THROUGH THE USE OF THE WEBSITE IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK, AND YOU WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM OR LOSS OF DATA THAT RESULTS FROM THE DOWNLOAD OR USE OF SUCH MATERIAL OR INFORMATION.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Website at any time without prior notice. We shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the Website or its services.

TERMINATION.

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our Website, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, without prior notice or liability. Grounds for termination or suspension may include, but are not limited to:

• Violation of this Terms of Use Agreement or any other agreement between you and us.
• Violation of applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights.
• Conduct that is harmful, disruptive, or abusive to other users, our employees, or our business.
• Unauthorized access to or use of our Website or its services.

Upon termination or suspension, your right to access and use our Website will immediately cease. Any provisions of this Agreement that, by their nature, should survive termination (such as Intellectual Property, Disclaimer, and Limitation of Liability provisions) shall continue to apply.

You may also terminate this Agreement at any time by ceasing to use our Website and closing your account, if applicable. Please note that upon termination, any user-generated content or data associated with your account may no longer be accessible. We recommend that you back up any important information before terminating your account.

Upon termination, you remain responsible for any obligations or liabilities incurred prior to the termination and any obligations that, by their nature, should survive termination.

AMENDMENTS.

We reserve the right to modify or update this Terms of Use Agreement at any time without prior notice. Any changes to this Agreement will be effective immediately upon posting on our Website. It is your responsibility to review this Agreement periodically for any updates or changes.

By continuing to access or use our Website after any modifications or updates to this Agreement, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree with the revised terms, you should discontinue using our Website.

We may also provide additional notices or communications regarding the changes to this Agreement, such as through email or other designated means. Your continued use of our Website following the issuance of such notices constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any aspect of our Website, including its features, functionality, or availability, at any time without prior notice or liability.

SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of this Terms of Use Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law.

In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the parties agree to replace the invalid provision with a valid provision that most closely reflects the original intent of the Agreement. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

If any court or competent authority determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to amend such provision to the extent required to make it valid, legal, and enforceable, while preserving its original intent.

The failure of either party to exercise any right or remedy provided in this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or remedy.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Terms of Use Agreement, together with any additional terms or policies referenced herein or incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between you and us regarding the use of our Website and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, or representations.

This Agreement governs your access to and use of our Website, and any services, features, or content provided on or through the Website. It establishes the rights and obligations between you and us and sets forth the terms and conditions under which you may use our Website.

Any waivers, amendments, or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. The parties agree to replace the invalid provision with a valid provision that most closely reflects the original intent of the Agreement.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which your organization is based, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in that jurisdiction.

This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

WAIVER.

The failure of either party to exercise any right or remedy provided in this Terms of Use Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or remedy. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.

Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be limited to the specific provision waived and shall not be deemed a waiver of any other provision, whether similar or not. The parties shall continue to be bound by all other provisions of this Agreement.

No delay or omission by either party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or remedy or any other rights or remedies. A waiver on one occasion shall not be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion.

ASSIGNMENT.

You may not assign, transfer, or delegate any of your rights or obligations under this Terms of Use Agreement without our prior written consent. Any such assignment, transfer, or delegation without our consent shall be null and void.

We may freely assign, transfer, or delegate this Agreement, in whole or in part, without your consent. Any assignment, transfer, or delegation by us shall not relieve you of your obligations under this Agreement.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

GOVERNING LAW.

This Terms of Use Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in the State of Georgia. You consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waive any objection to the convenience or propriety of such venues.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that any cause of action or claim arising out of or related to your use of our Website must be filed within one (1) year after such cause of action or claim arose, or be forever barred.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Terms of Use Agreement, including its formation, interpretation, breach, termination, validity, or enforceability, shall be resolved through informal negotiation between the parties.

If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute through negotiation within a reasonable period, either party may initiate formal proceedings. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in the jurisdiction specified in the Governing Law provision.

The parties agree to participate in good faith in any mediation or alternative dispute resolution proceedings recommended by the court or mutually agreed upon by the parties. The costs and fees associated with such proceedings shall be shared equally, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

In the event of any dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with resolving such dispute or controversy.

WAIVER OF CLASS ACTION.

You agree that any disputes arising out of or relating to this Terms of Use Agreement shall be conducted on an individual basis only. You hereby waive any right to participate in or pursue class or collective actions against us or any other users of our Website.

If any claim or dispute arises between you and us, you agree to resolve the dispute through individual arbitration, rather than by bringing or participating in a class or collective action. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the chosen arbitration institution or as otherwise mutually agreed upon by the parties.

You acknowledge and agree that by entering into this Agreement, you are waiving the right to participate in any form of class or collective proceeding against us, including class actions, class arbitrations, or any other type of representative action.

Any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be conducted solely on an individual basis, and the arbitrator or court shall not consolidate more than one person’s claims or otherwise preside over any form of representative or class proceeding.

If any court or arbitrator determines that the waiver of class action provision is unenforceable or invalid, then the dispute shall be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction, and all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

CONTACT US.

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms, please feel free to contact us using the following information:

1. Email: Info@NationalForum.org
2. Postal Address: National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, 1150 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036 – 4130

When contacting us, please provide sufficient details and information to help us respond to your inquiry or request. We will make reasonable efforts to address your concerns and provide you with assistance as necessary.

Please note that due to the nature of internet communications, email transmissions may not be secure. Therefore, we encourage you to avoid including sensitive information in your emails to us. If you choose to communicate sensitive information, it is at your own risk.