On average, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke, every 34 seconds. Even more are impacted by nonfatal cardiac events. The health care costs are more than $400 billion—a figure expected to triple by 2050. For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has been dedicated to combating these dangerous statistics and creating a world free from the constraints of heart disease. Through groundbreaking medical research and community education, the nonprofit is relentlessly dedicated to ensuring all people—regardless of socioeconomic status, race or location—can live longer, healthier lives.
The American Heart Association takes a multi-pronged approach to combating heart disease. The organization works year-round with community leaders and health care professionals to reach the community through discovery, advocacy, equity and knowledge of its mission. “Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of people in America and across the world—it doesn’t discriminate on who it affects,” says Beth Burks, associate vice president of development for the nonprofit’s local chapter. “The American Heart Association is working toward a world where everyone has access to quality care and can live equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to make the right decision about their heart health.”
Heart health is an especially important issue for St. Louis, according to Burks. With our city’s excellent medical infrastructure, it has played a central role in advancing the fight against heart disease. “The American Heart Association has invested more than $5 billion in research, both here in St. Louis and across the country,” Burks says. As well as funding cardiovascular advancement, the nonprofit works in our community through a variety of initiatives, such as education on hypertension and blood pressure control, instruction in hands-only CPR and improved access to nutritious food.
The American Heart Association 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 better health for everyone. The campaign culminates in the Heart Ball. “The event is not only one of our largest annual fundraisers, it’s a time for us to celebrate the culmination of all we have done throughout the year,” Burks says. “The community comes together to ensure everyone can access the education and resources necessary to live a healthier life.”
This year’s Heart Ball is Jan. 31 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Inspired by the concept of giving heart disease the boot, the evening will have a country western theme, and guests can look forward to storytelling, dinner, dancing and an exciting live auction. “Last year, we celebrated the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary at the Heart Ball,” Burks notes. “In that time, the organization has done so much to transform the landscape of cardiovascular health—from outreach and education to groundbreaking research. Now, we’re excited to look forward to how we’ll build on that legacy. Our goal is to create a future of health and hope for everyone in St. Louis.”
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 Jan. 31 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover:2025 St. Louis Heart Ball chair Dr. David Meiners, president of Mercy St. Louis Communities; 2024 St. Louis Leaders of Impact winner Blake Exline, director of operations of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. 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 the top: Guests enjoy a past St. Louis Heart Ball.
Photo coutesy of American Heart Association
