Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain to be one of the leading causes of death in the USA and many parts of the world. The prevalence of CVDs is still high in the country despite many interventions that have been implemented by the government and private organizations. Besides, CVDs are proving to be an economically burdensome health problem in America, especially due to the cost of treating and maintaining the diseases, which now affect millions of Americans either directly or indirectly. CVD is not a new health problem, which explains why the American Heart Association (AHA) was formed in 1924 by six cardiologists with the primary objective of reducing the prevalence of heart diseases while improving the health and well-being of Americans. The six cardiologists strongly believed that the problem of CVDs could be reduced significantly through scientific research. AHA has expanded since its formation in 1924, and it is now one of the largest nonprofit health organizations not only in the USA but also in the whole world ( Gibbons et al., 2009). AHA has helped in reducing the problem of CVDs substantially, especially in the USA. AHA is one of the leading voluntary health organizations across the globe that is dedicated to fighting CVDs. The primary objective of the organization is to eliminate the problem of CVDs and stroke, not only in the USA but also in other parts of the world. The primary focus of AHA, therefore, is the cardiovascular health of Americans, especially those who are suffering from CVDs and stroke ( Gibbons et al., 2009). However, unlike many hospitals and health organizations that mainly pay attention to treatment, AHA is heavily relying on scientific research to provide relevant knowledge and skills that can help in improving patient outcomes. Also, to enhance cardiovascular health, the association is using evidence-based information to educate and inform both healthcare providers and patients on effective ways to reduce CVDs and stroke ( Gibbons et al., 2009). AHA is mainly using research to eliminate the problem of CVDs that are now affecting millions of Americans. AHA is specifically using its comparative effectiveness research principles to achieve three main objectives. The first major objective is to conduct and accurately interpret the findings of effective comparative research, mainly based on fundamental scientific principles ( Gibbons et al., 2009). Secondly, the association is using research to define the value of CVD patients. Thirdly, AHA is using effective scientific research to improve patient treatment decision-making. Therefore, AHA is using research to address the problem of CVDs and stroke in the USA. It is mainly involved in conducting and evaluating research studies that are related to cardiovascular health ( Gibbons et al., 2009). Consequently, it is estimated that AHA has contributed more than $1 billion towards cardiovascular research since for the last few decades. The founders of the association believed that they could improve the prevention and treatment of CVDs through scientific research, which explains why AHA is actively involved in cardiovascular research. Also, AHA does a lot of health advocacy in the USA, especially with relations to CVDs and stroke. Its advocacy role is mainly based on the need to influence health policy that can help in improving cardiovascular health in the USA ( Goldstein et al., 2011). AHA is one of the most influential nonprofit health organizations in the country because it commands much respect from policymakers and other senior politicians in the country. AHA has gained respect in the USA due to its commitment and ability to use science-based evidence and information to assist in the formulation of effective public policy that can effectively address critical and complex health-related issues in the country ( Goldstein et al., 2011). Thus, another significant role of AHA is to advocate for the formulation of relevant policy that can improve the cardiovascular health and wellbeing of Americans. Also, AHA is implementing many public health education programs that are intended to reduce the risk of heart diseases, as well as stroke ( Goldstein et al., 2011). The association is using many public education and training programs to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans. The work of AHA, therefore, is focusing on cardiovascular health. The effectiveness of AHA in achieving its goals and objectives can mainly be evaluated based on the number of Americans who are suffering from CVDs and strokes. Thus, AHA has mostly achieved its goals and objectives because it has reduced the number of Americans who are affected by CVDs and stroke significantly. In 2000, AHA set a clear goal which it was to achieve in 2010, especially with regard to reducing the number of disabilities and deaths that are associated with stroke and CVDs. The objective of the 2010 goal was to reduce the risk of CVDs and stroke by 25% by 2010. AHA managed to achieve this goal and even surpassed, making one of the most effective health organizations in the world. According to Sacco, (2011), based on the AHA’s 2010 goal, the association was able to reduce deaths that are linked to heart diseases by about 35.7%. At the same time, the association reduced stroke-related deaths by 32.5% (Sacco, 2011). The actions that were taken by AHA also improved the prevention and treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, indicating that the association is effectively accomplishing its goals and objectives (Sacco, 2011). Therefore, AHA achieved its 2010 goals and objectives. Besides, AHA has educated the public to embrace healthy behaviors, which has helped in reducing CVDs and stroke risk significantly. Instance, AHA education and awareness programs have increased the number of Americans who are actively involved in physical exercise. Specifically, the number of self-reported physical inactivity reduced from 40.1% to 26.9% between 2007 and 2016, and the reduction is associated by the awareness programs that were launched by AHA in association with other organizations ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019) . Consequently, the number of Americans suffering from obesity or overweight has reduced. Obesity and overweight are some of the major risks that are linked to heart diseases. At the same time, a significant number of Americans are now taking healthy diet, leading to improved cardiovascular health in the country ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019). Thus, AHA is accomplishing its goals and objectives, especially concerning educating the public.
However, some scholars argue that AHA has not accomplished its goals and objectives as expected, primarily based on the latest statistics that were released in 2019. Interestingly, based according to AHA's own 2019 report, about 50% of adults in the USA have cardiovascular disease, and more people died of CVD in 2016 compared to previous years ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019) . Based on the report, the number of people dying of CVDs is increasing in the USA while it is reducing globally. Thus, there is a mixed reaction about whether AHA is achieving its goals and objectives. Nonetheless, one of the primary purposes of AHA is to provide accurate information about the status of cardiovascular health in the country. SWOT analysis is a constructive and advantageous technique that is used to determine an organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks. Specifically, a SWOT analysis helps in understanding the internal and external environments that affect the operations of an organization. Therefore, AHA can use the techniques to not only take advantage of the opportunities but also address its weaknesses to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the set goals and objectives within the required time ( Sacco, 2011). Like any other organization, AHA has strengths and weaknesses while at the same time, it is affected by external factors. The main AHA’s strength is its positive public image and reputation, which has made it one of the most influential nonprofit health organizations in the USA. AHA is respected for its commitment to improving cardiovascular health, as well as its robust and scientific research that has helped in shaping US health policies. As a result, it can successfully advocate for health policy or programs. Also, its positive reputation makes it attractive to donors. The second strength is its experience and expertise in scientific research. AHA has high-level expertise in cardiovascular-related research, allowing it to provide evidence-based information and assist in addressing various heart diseases and strokes. Besides, the high membership is AHA's strength. It is estimated that AHA has 22.5 million volunteers and supporters while at the same time, it has 2,200 community organizations in the whole of the USA ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019). Hence, the association has sufficient workforce that is required to accomplish its goals and objectives. However, the large membership is also a threat because it is not easy to effectively manage a large number of people. Notably, communication has proved to be challenging in managing and controlling human resources. The insufficient fund is another weakness facing AHA as it largely depends on donors and volunteers ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019). AHA needs a lot of financial resources to finance its research, advocacy, and education activities. Thirdly, even though it is experiencing an increase in membership, it has a limited number of trainers, which may end up affecting its training and awareness programs. Nonetheless, despite some weaknesses, AHA is encountering some opportunities that can improve the effectiveness of its operations and activities. The major opportunity is the increasing number of health professionals who are volunteering their services to help communities and patients across the USA. According to McGeehan, Takehara & Daroszewski (2017), many physicians are volunteering to offer various services to different organizations. Volunteer physicians play a critical role, especially among people without health insurance. Another opportunity is the surging number of organizations that are willing and ready to partner with AHA. For example, AHA is now closely working with the Council on Clinical Cardiology (CLCD) to improve cardiovascular health in the USA. The surging number of CVDs and strokes is the main threat facing many Americans. It is unfortunate that about 121.5 million adults in the USA are having various types of CVDs, and the number may keep on increasing if effective measures are not taken ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019). In 2016, nearly 2.75 million Americans died of CVDs, and heart diseases account for 742.1% of all registered deaths in the country ( Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt, 2019). At the same time, millions of Americans are suffering from stroke. According to Benjamin, Muntner & Bittencourt (2019), seven million Americans aged 20 years and above have a stroke. As a result, AHA is forced to spend a lot of financial and human resources to address the problem of cardiovascular health. AHA may not achieve its goals and objectives if the number of persons with CVDs and strokes keeps on increasing. Besides, donor funding is declining, and AHA may find it challenging to finance its research and implement various activities or programs. AHA is good due to its ability to improve cardiovascular health and reduces cases of stroke in the USA. AHA is providing a long-term solution to the problem of CVDs and stroke through scientific research, which can improve the prevention and treatment process (Goldstein et al., 2011). Besides, AHA is not only concerned with CVDs and stroke but also other unhealthy health behaviors. For instance, AHA is encouraging people to engage in physical activities and eat a healthy diet to prevent many diseases and health conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and hypertension. Therefore, AHA is improving the health and well-being of Americans in general, even though it mainly focuses on CVDs and strokes. Moreover, AHA is a good health organization because it has an effective structure, especially concerning operations. Although AHA is a New York-based health organization, it has affiliates across the country (Goldstein et al., 2011). Consequently, it can influence policies in the entire country. Besides, its leadership structure is well-structured, leading to its effectiveness in achieving the set goals and objectives. Thus, AHA is a good and effective health organization that is improving the health and well-being of many Americans. AHA should increase its partnership and collaboration to improve its operations and services. Specifically, it should partner with individuals, nonprofit organizations, and local communities in the fight against cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The partnership will enable AHA to find innovative ways of improving cardiovascular health in the country. Besides, AHA should reward hospitals and health professionals who are determined to reduce the risks of CVDs and stroke. Individuals and organizations will be motivated to address the problem of stroke and CVDs if they are rewarded for their good work (Sacco, 2011). Communities that embrace healthy behaviors and initiatives should also be rewarded. AHA should use innovative ways to enhance cardiovascular health.
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Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among millions of Americans. Besides, a significant number of people are suffering from stroke and other diseases like diabetes and obesity. AHA, therefore, is doing a noble thing by working towards improving the cardiovascular health and well-being of millions of Americans. AHA’s initiatives and programs have helped in reducing the prevalence of CVDs and stroke in the country significantly. Its research-based approach to improving cardiovascular health can result in a long-term reduction in many health risks. However, it is essential for AHA to enhance its partnership and collaboration with other organizations, as well as individuals, to create innovative ways of dealing with health-related problems. Both private and public entities should be involved in the fight against CVDs and strokes.
References
Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., & Bittencourt, M. S. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics- 2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139 (10), 56- 528.
Gibbons, R. J., Gardner, T. J., Anderson, J. L., Goldstein, L. B., Meltzer, N., Weintraub, W. S., & Yancy, C. W. (2009). The American Heart Association’s principles for comparative effectiveness research: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 119 (22), 2955-2962.
Goldstein, L. B., Whitsel, L. P., Meltzer, N., Schoeberl, M., Birnbaum, J., Nelson, S., ... & Hiratzka, L. (2011). American Heart Association and nonprofit advocacy: past, present, and future: a policy recommendation from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 123 (7), 816-832.
McGeehan, L., Takehara, M. A., & Daroszewski, E. (2017). Physicians’ perceptions of volunteer service at safety-net clinics. The Permanente Journal , 21 (1) .
Sacco, R. L. (2011). The new American Heart Association 2020 goal: achieving ideal cardiovascular health. Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, 12 (4), 255-257.
