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Heart disease is our nation’s  No. 1 killer, and stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death. Both are major causes of significant, long-term disability. An estimated 82.6 million American adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are projected to cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually by 2030.

Members of Congress face a challenging time as our nation struggles to improve health care quality and access, while simultaneously controlling costs. Public policies that support research, prevention and timely access to appropriate care offer our best opportunity to reduce the huge health and economic toll cardiovascular disease exacts upon our nation and its citizens.

The Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition is a bipartisan group of senators and representatives that raises awareness about the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular disease and the importance of research, prevention and treatment in combating cardiovascular disease. Founded in 1996, the coalition also acts as a resource on heart and stroke issues including: biomedical research; quality and availability of care; health promotion; and disease prevention. The coalition and its more than 100 members also work to advance public policy aimed at fighting cardiovascular diseases.

Current co-chairs of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition are Senators Michael Crapo (R-ID) and Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Chris Smith (R-NJ).

To join the coalition, please download the membership request form and email or fax the completed form to one of the coalition’s co-chairs at the included contact information.