About Us
The Virginia Heart Disease and Stroke Alliance (VHDSA) was founded in 2000 when the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Project received categorical funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for promotion of cardiovascular health. A group of agencies and individuals, guided by information from the state on public health issues and data related to CVD, formed committees to address specific areas of health promotion: medical, school, community, and faith-based, led by a Steering Committee. The initial focus was on primary prevention around policy and environmental changes related to nutrition and physical activity. With time, the focus shifted to include secondary prevention of heart disease and stroke.
The Alliance has members representing organizations and agencies from healthcare, faith-based groups, non-profits, government, private businesses and academic institutions as well as concerned citizens, including heart disease and stroke survivors.
The Alliance’s vision is to be seen as the preeminent resource for heart disease and stroke prevention and control in Virginia. In 2008, the Alliance reviewed its mission and engaged in a committee restructure to ensure an organizational structure that supports and leads the state plan.
Goal
The mission of the Virginia Heart Disease and Stroke Alliance is to provide a forum for communication and collaboration among heart disease and stroke prevention and control stakeholders with the intent to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke in Virginia.
Objectives
The Virginia Heart Disease and Stroke Alliance will:
- Update Virginia’s Plan for the Prevention and Control of heart disease and stroke, assuring alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Priorities.
- Disseminate Virginia’s Plan for heart disease and stroke prevention and control to stakeholders and encourage support of plan objectives by all stakeholders.
- Regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of collaborative activities, and take steps to address the weaknesses.
- Broaden the scope of heart disease and stroke risk reduction activities in Virginia.
- Increase advocacy efforts, environmental and policy support and partnerships for cardiovascular health (CVH) in Virginia.