The American Heart Association: One of America’s Most Trusted Organizations

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has played a defining role in cardiovascular research, public health education, advocacy, and lifesaving care across the country. But many people may not fully realize just how deeply the organization influences the systems, protocols, and community programs that impact millions of lives every year.In this episode of The NonProfit Podcast Network, I sit down with Suzanne Bartlett, Associate Executive Vice President, to explore the mission and modern evolution of the American Heart Association — from groundbreaking research funding and hospital partnerships to CPR education, youth outreach, advocacy work, and community health initiatives throughout Northern California.We discuss how the organization collaborates with hospitals, schools, churches, nonprofits, and business leaders to improve long-term health outcomes, while also addressing issues like food insecurity, access to care, women’s heart health, and preventative education.Suzanne also shares insights into the organization’s fundraising model, the importance of volunteer leadership, and why Sacramento has emerged as one of the nation’s leading markets for community engagement and support of the American Heart Association's Women of Impact.Whether you know the organization through Go Red for Women, the Heart Walk, CPR training, or simply its global reputation, this conversation offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. Short Chapter Overview00:00 — Introduction to the American Heart Association 02:10 — Prevention, education, and Life’s Essential 8 05:00 — Reaching younger generations through schools and youth programs 07:45 — Research, evolving treatment, and trusted science 11:30 — Partnerships with hospitals, churches, and community organizations 15:20 — CPR education and building a “Nation of Lifesavers” 20:15 — Funding the mission and national impact 25:00 — Women’s heart health and Go Red for Women 31:00 — Advocacy, volunteers, and community engagement 33:20 — Personal stories and the impact of research advances 38:00 — Beyond the Mission rapid-fire questions 40:15 — How to support and connect with the American Heart AssociationTo learn more, visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/california/northern-californiaThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.