National Heart Foundation of Australia

National Heart Foundation of Australia is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing heart disease and improving the heart health of Australians. It was established in 1959, in response to the increasing impact of heart disease in Australia. The foundation focuses on funding cardiovascular research, developing and promoting public health education campaigns, and advocating for policies that reduce the risk of heart diseases.

History

The National Heart Foundation of Australia was founded with the primary goal of addressing the high rates of heart disease in the country. Since its inception, the foundation has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about heart health and has been instrumental in funding research into cardiovascular diseases.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the National Heart Foundation of Australia is to prevent heart disease and improve the heart health and quality of life of all Australians through research, education, and health promotion. Its vision is a world where people live free from the burden of heart disease.

Research Funding

One of the core activities of the National Heart Foundation of Australia is to provide funding for cardiovascular research. The foundation supports a wide range of research projects, from basic science to clinical and public health studies, aimed at understanding heart disease better and finding new treatments.

Public Health Education

The foundation is well-known for its public health education campaigns. These campaigns are designed to inform the public about the risks of heart disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Topics covered include healthy eating, the importance of physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Advocacy

The National Heart Foundation of Australia also engages in advocacy work, aiming to influence public policy and practice in ways that promote heart health. This includes lobbying for better health services for people with heart disease, promoting heart-healthy public policies, and working to reduce risk factors in the community.

Programs and Initiatives

The foundation runs several programs and initiatives aimed at improving heart health across different segments of the population. These include:

• Heart Health Programs: Programs aimed at helping individuals improve their heart health through lifestyle changes.
• Jump Rope for Heart: A physical activity and fundraising program in schools to promote heart health from a young age.
• Heart Support Groups: Support groups for people living with heart disease, providing a platform for sharing experiences and support.

Achievements

Over the years, the National Heart Foundation of Australia has made significant contributions to the reduction of heart disease in Australia. Its research funding has led to important discoveries in cardiovascular health, and its public health campaigns have raised awareness and educated millions of Australians on how to reduce their heart disease risk.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart health
• Public health
• Health promotion