Reps. Smith, Beatty Named Co-Chairs of Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition

Press Release

Coinciding with American Heart Month, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) were named co-Chairs of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition for the 115th Congress.

"The coalition has worked to craft and advance solutions in the fight against heart disease, stroke and other devastating cardiovascular diseases through securing funding for invaluable programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and effectively engaging with Members of Congress on the seriousness of heart and stroke issues," said Smith (NJ-04), who served as the co-Chair of the Coalition in the last Congress.

"I am pleased to welcome my colleague Rep. Joyce Beatty, who previously served on the board of the American Heart Association and as a member of Heart and Stroke Coalition in past congresses, as the new co-chair for the Coalition. As a stroke survivor herself, Rep. Beatty offers unique perspectives on heart disease and will bring important personal insights to the Coalition as we continue to work with the American Heart Association and our colleagues in the 115th Congress on behalf of Americans suffering from heart disease and their loved ones, who are often their caregivers" Smith continued.

"As a stroke survivor, I understand the magnitude and life-changing effects heart disease and stroke have on more than 82 million Americans. When it comes to cardiovascular diseases, Democrats and Republicans agree that Congress can do more to address the number one killer of men and women. That is why I am honored to join my Congressional colleague, Congressman Smith, along with the Senate Co-Chairs, to work on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to improve the treatment, detection, and prevention of heart disease and stroke," said Beatty (OH-03).

Founded in 1996, the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 100 senators and representatives dedicated to advancing public policy aimed at fighting cardiovascular diseases. In addition to Smith and Beatty, Senators Michael Crapo (R-ID) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) serve as co-Chairs of the Coalition in the 115th Congress.

"Our heartfelt congratulations to Rep. Beatty on her new leadership role with the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition! As a long-time friend of the association, she has worked for years with our affiliate and on the National Board, as well as helped to amplify our mission on Capitol Hill. Rep. Beatty truly understands the needs of individuals with cardiovascular disease. She will be in good company with the current co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith, who has had a long and distinguished record of standing up for heart and stroke patients on Capitol Hill," said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. "We look forward to partnering with Reps. Smith and Beatty in support of the coalition's important work to help educate members of Congress and their staff, advance public policy and ultimately save lives from cardiovascular disease -- the no. 1 and most costly killer of Americans."

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