Heart and brain health awareness reaches nearly 100,000 Utahns with key insights on prevention, risk factors and warning signs

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 17, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. and globally. Nearly 128 million U.S. adults have some form of CVD.[1]

In the past decade, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has empowered Utahns to protect their heart and brain health through the Healthy for Good™ and Together to End Stroke® initiatives with the support of University of Utah Health. Together, efforts by the two organizations have reached nearly 100,000 people in Utah through community events, media promotion and social media.

“Working in the health care industry, we witness the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke every day,” said Steven Tew, Neurosciences Service Line Director, University of Utah Health. “We are proud to support and work alongside the American Heart Association in providing knowledge and resources to fellow Utahns, especially in underserved areas, to help build healthier and more resilient communities. These programs exemplify the power of collaboration in addressing community health challenges and making a lasting, positive impact.”

The American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good campaign helps put a healthy life within reach by building on healthy habits that promote wellness at every life stage. The Together to End Stroke campaign by the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, unites health care professionals, stroke survivors, caregivers, sponsors, supporters and caring individuals to prevent, treat and beat stroke.

Over the last 10 years, outreach to the community has taken place through events such as the Saving Strokes golf clinic, support group activities, the F.A.S.T. education room at Fashion Place Mall and the Shops at South Town, health fairs, the Go Red for Women Luncheon, the Heart & Stroke Walk, CycleNation and more. In addition, media promotions and social media posts have reached millions of Utahns with multiple messages about heart disease and stroke.

To kickstart the next decade, plans include continued stroke education for Utahns, reaching more women about protecting themselves from heart disease, providing lifesaving CPR skills and improving access to blood pressure resources for under-resourced communities.

“We are grateful to University of Utah Health for their continued support of our mission to improve the cardiovascular health of everyone, everywhere,” said Lavinia Sasaki, executive director, American Heart Association. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that every Utahn — regardless of background or zip code — has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.”

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us in Utah on heart.org/utah, Facebook, Instagram, X or (801) 702-4420.
 

For media inquiries:
Jennifer Merback, (801) 205-2489, jennifer.merback@heart.org