National Coalition for Women with Heart

The National Coalition for Women with Heart, more commonly known as WomenHeart, is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women with or at risk for heart disease. Founded in 1999 by Nancy Loving, Jackie Markham, and Judy Mingram, it remains the first and only national patient-centered organization solely focused on women's heart health.

Mission

WomenHeart's mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women living with or at risk of heart disease, while advocating for their benefit and promoting equity in heart health. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, support, and training to empower women to manage their heart health effectively.

Core Values

WomenHeart operates on several core values:

• Patient-Centered: Focused on serving the needs of women with diagnosed heart disease.
• Empowerment: Believes in equipping women with education and training to advocate for themselves and others.
• Equality: Dedicated to ensuring women receive equal access to cardiac diagnostic testing and treatment as men.
• Inclusiveness: Values diversity within the organization.
• Collaboration: Seeks partnerships to educate women about heart disease.
• Quality: Committed to rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement.

Programs and Achievements

WomenHeart has achieved several significant milestones:

• National Support Groups: Developed a network of nearly 100 support groups across more than 30 states to connect women with heart disease.
• WomenHeart Champions: Trained over 1,000 women as community educators, utilizing the WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic.
• Advocacy Corps: Established a program to involve volunteers in national policy and advocacy efforts.
• Health Equity Initiative: Focused on addressing inequities in heart disease diagnosis and treatment faced by women.
• Red Bag of Courage Program: Distributes educational materials to women at risk or living with heart disease.
• National Policy & Science Summit: Organized the first summit focused on women's cardiovascular health.

Advocacy and Education

WomenHeart works to advance federal policies supporting women's heart health and trains women to advocate for themselves. It emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risk factors and ensuring proper representation in heart disease research. The organization also provides educational resources and tools to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

Financial Status and Governance

WomenHeart has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and relies on donations to fund its initiatives. The organization's board of directors includes diverse professionals from various backgrounds, with a focus on inclusivity and governance practices.

Impact

With over 60 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease, WomenHeart plays a crucial role in providing support, education, and advocacy. It strives to reduce the isolation often associated with a heart disease diagnosis by creating networks of peer support and empowerment.