Diversity & Inclusion
Strengthening all of us as individuals, as an organization and as one world
Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. We're committed to ensuring that our workforce, workplace and mission have a shared impact across America's diverse populations.
Committing to equity and a full, healthy life for everyone
The American Heart Association is investing over $230 million in a sweeping effort to ensure equitable health for all. Through research, community solutions and other substantial work, the AHA is addressing barriers to health equity including structural racism, social factors that hurt people’s health and threats to rural health.
February's Black History Month Activities
During February, we recognized the legacy of Black Americans who laid the foundation for the activists, health care professionals, social entrepreneurs and everyday heroes — and celebrate Black Americans who are making history every day.
Throughout the month, we highlighted the communities, small businesses, social entrepreneurs and innovators who continue to build a legacy of positive change through our business accelerator, scholarship program and impact investments.
Black History Month Fireside Chat
Black Americans Making History Everyday
Presented by the American Heart Association employee resource group Heart and Soul, the inspirational one-hour live discussion featured panelists Ebony Smith, a.k.a ‘The Ghetto Guru’, founder of Yoga N Da Hood, Andrew Suggs, CEO Live Chair Health and Sherman Wright, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ten35.
Pamela Garmon Johnson, AHA vice president of Health Equity and National Partnership, and Heart and Soul president Kenza Martin hosted the event that celebrates the achievements of Black Americans.
Latinx at Heart
We are honoring Latinos’ contributions and influence by celebrating their rich cultures and sharing their unique stories during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Despite the risk to their personal health, Latino essential workers are making many invaluable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hearts With Pride
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. The events at the Stonewall Inn in New York City served as the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement, which pursued equal treatment for this community.
Healing hearts. Inspiring minds.
As the eldest son of a Kurdish family that fled persecution in Syria, Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli knows struggle. After living in German refugee camps for six years, his family immigrated to the United States two weeks after 9/11 and settled in one of the Atlanta area’s poorest communities.The Universal Language of Saving Lives
The American Heart Association is a proud catalyst for Hands-Only CPR certification in the Gulf countries(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window). During March, more than 77,000 people in Saudi Arabia became certified in Hands-Only CPR in celebration of Heart Month.
Workforce
We rely on volunteers, staff, donors and partners to help foster a smart, collaborative environment. Successful organizations make the most of diversity and inclusion to deliver programs, events and educational opportunities that support a culturally competent workforce that delivers on its mission.
Workplace
Volunteers and staff in physical and virtual workplaces around the nation and across the globe come together to address many challenges to overcome health inequities related to cardiovascular disease and stroke. We aim to create workplaces that support the work of all peoples — regardless of their diverse backgrounds — to narrow the gap of health disparities and bridge the gap to better health. Read our Equity and Inclusion Dashboard to learn more.
Marketplace
From consumers to partners to suppliers, in health care settings, restaurants and retails stores and in communities around the nation, the American Heart Association is committed to ensuring that our mission makes an impact on America’s diverse populations
Supplier Diversity
We seek providers that align with our mission and provide quality services at competitive prices. Our database of current and potential providers is shared organization-wide.
Are you interested in being a provider? We work with minority- and women-owned businesses as well as veterans, people with disabilities and LGBT-owned businesses.
How can you help us help others?
With your help, we can save more lives through research, education and awareness-building efforts.
Donate(link opens in new window) | Volunteer(link opens in new window) | Advocate
Resources
The American Heart Association can help you build a longer, stronger life.
#lifeiswhy(link opens in new window) | Together To End Stroke(link opens in new window)
Healthy Living | Voices for Healthy Kids(link opens in new window)
Online Communities | Empowered to Serve(link opens in new window)