AHA Mission, Impact Goal, and Research Program Guiding Elements
AHA Mission
Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. As we move into the second century of our work, we are advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
The AHA 2028 Impact Goal
Building on a century of lifesaving progress in cardiovascular disease and stroke, the American Heart Association has centered a new vision for its next 100 years: Advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Impact Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the AHA will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach people where they are.
Read about the projected burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Twelve Research Essential Elements
The AHA Research Program is guided by 12 Essential Elements developed by a broad group of key stakeholders including science volunteers and approved by the AHA Board of Directors.
- Develop innovative research models that integrate AHA research values and fund highly meritorious or “best” research.
- Fund both investigator-initiated and strategically-focused research, including implementation research.
- Support all areas of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research, with a focus on overall health and well-being across the lifespan that drives to the AHA’s 2028 goal and overall mission.
- Identify key questions that, if answered, could provide extraordinary impact in science and toward mission.
- Ensure a focus on diverse populations in both the makeup of the investigators we support and the participant populations of AHA-funded research.
- Provide programs that support the pursuit of the research in question and also facilitate the expansion of investigator skills.
- Focus on funding outstanding individuals, not just projects.
- Clearly define and report research and translationally-oriented outcomes to all stakeholders.
- Ensure that best practices are used for all governance and operational practice.
- Ensure that all stakeholders – researchers, donors, and other volunteers – are involved as appropriate in research activities.
- Fund research that could provide a return on investment to be funneled back to fund additional future research.
- Expand collaboration to leverage research dollars and outcomes.