In 1924, six cardiologists, including Dr. Hugh McCulloch of St. Louis, partnered to create a professional society for doctors. After around two decades, it reorganized into a national voluntary health organization, and now, 100 years later, the American Heart Association has more than 35 million volunteers and supporters. Through groundbreaking medical research and community education on heart disease, the nonprofit is relentlessly dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Heart health is an especially important issue for St. Louis, according to Beth Burks, associate vice president of development for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. With our city’s excellent medical infrastructure, it has played a central role in advancing the fight against heart disease. However, it also must contend with the critical health care concerns that come with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. “There is a lot you can do to prevent heart disease, and the No. 1 thing we look at is blood pressure,” Burks explains. “In St. Louis, there are more than 740,000 residents living with hypertension—that could fill Busch Stadium more than 16 times.”
The American Heart Association takes a multi-pronged approach to combating heart disease. Burks notes that the organization has provided more than $5 billion to important medical research, and it is active through the community with educational programs, including partnerships with companies to ensure the health of their employees. “We really have grown from six cardiologists looking to make a difference,” she says. “We have global reach, and there are many facets to our advocacy, including health equity. We truly address a person’s whole health with the heart at the center.”
The nonprofit is committed to improving heart health for all people in the region. One way it unites the community is the Heart of St. Louis campaign, an initiative that brings local leaders together to invest in supporting the health of the community. The campaign culminates in the Heart Ball. This year’s event is chaired by Nytasha Taylor, the vice president of drug sourcing at Express Scripts. For her, partnering with the organization was a natural fit. “I’ve always been energized by working with the community,” she says. “Given my work with another nonprofit focused on congenital heart defects, my personal experience and American Heart Association’s commitment to the heart community, committing my time was an easy yes.”
For 2024, the Heart Ball will be held at the Missouri History Museum on March 2. In a nod to the nonprofit’s founding date, it will have a 1920s theme. “This will not only be a celebration of our history and achievements, but also an exciting look to the future,” Burks notes. “The American Heart Association has always been a catalyst and agent for change. Now at our centennial moment, we’re excited to have the community join us, but we haven’t lost sight of just how great the need for our continued work is. We fight fiercely for everyone to have the opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”
The American Heart Association’s local chapter is committed to improving heart health for all people in the region. Its St. Louis Heart Ball is March 2 at the Missouri History Museum. Pictured on the cover: Heart Ball chair Nytasha Taylor of Express Scripts, executive leadership team member Brian Eaton of Aetna. For more information, call 314.692.5629 or visit heart.org/heartofstlouis.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Guests enjoy the 2023 St. Louis Heart Ball.
Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association
