National forum for heart disease and stroke prevention: An action-based alliance of government, institutions and voluntary

The National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is made up of more than 80 individual organizations that collaborate to provide national leadership for those committed to building a heart healthy and stroke-free society. The National Forum is charged with leading the implementation of A Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke. The Action Plan, first released in 2003 and updated in March 2008, addresses the urgent need for action and provides a comprehensive public health strategy and a framework to guide health practitioner and policy maker action in heart disease and stroke prevention. In addition, each year, the National Forum assembles the world's leading experts to discuss developments in heart disease and stroke prevention and gain valuable information in community intervention, communication and research strategies.

Membership in the National Forum is an effective way for organizations and individuals to add their voices to the national call for urgent action to prevent heart disease and stroke—the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. The work of the National Forum is conducted through seven Implementation Groups. Each Implementation Group (IG) advocates the mission of the organization while focusing on key areas from the Action Plan. The Regional and Global Collaboration IG has developed an inventory of international programs and policies for cardiovascular health. Additionally, a key priority for the National Forum is to address the disparity among groups in death and disability related to heart disease and stroke.