The Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition

About the Coalition
Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases remain the No. 1 killer in the United States, killing nearly 865,000 Americans each year. About one in three Americans suffers from some form of cardiovascular disease. The estimated cost to the nation in 2009 is $475.3 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

The coalition, which is made up of more than 200 members of Congress, raises awareness of the seriousness of cardiovascular diseases and is a resource center on heart and stroke issues, including biomedical research, quality and availability of care and health promotion/disease prevention. The coalition also works to advance public policy aimed at fighting cardiovascular diseases.

The Members
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Co-Chair	Representative Lois Capps (D-CA), Co-Chair
Senator Michael Crapo (R-ID), Co-Chair	Representative Todd R. Platts (R-PA), Co-Chair

Members of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition (House and Senate)

Recent Coalition Action:
The coalition works hard to educate congressional members and staff on issues relating to heart disease and stroke. Below, you will find links to their most recent actions, including Dear Colleagues, congressional briefings and sponsorships.

May 2010: Invitation to Pediatric Stroke Congressional Briefing
May 2008: Funding letters to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees in support of increased funding for heart disease and stroke research, prevention and treatment (Senate letter; House Letter)
May 2008: Stroke Awareness Month Dear Colleague and co-hosted Congressional briefing about stroke telemedicine (Invitation)
February 2008: American Heart Month Dear Colleague and co-hosted Congressional briefing, "Heart Disease and Stroke 101: What Everyone Should Know About the No. 1 and No. 3 Killers and Whether You Are at Risk" (Invitation)
January 2008: Dear Colleague about national health observances for 2008
January 2008: Co-hosted Congressional staff tour of the NIH Heart Center at Suburban Hospital (Dear Colleague)
August 2007: Co-hosted Congressional training on CPR Anytime and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) (CPR - AED Training Dear Colleague)
May 2007: Funding letters to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees in support of heart and stroke research and prevention (Senate Letter; House Letter)
May 2007: Stroke Awareness Month Dear Colleague and co-hosted Congressional briefing on stroke
March 2007: Co-hosted Congressional briefing about trans fat (Senate Dear Colleague; House Dear Colleague)
March 2007: Co-hosted Congressional briefing about Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease (Invitation)
February 2007: American Heart Month Dear Colleague
January 2007: Welcome Letter to new Members of Congress