During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority – with heart disease and stroke continuing to be the No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death in the United States.

In a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC noted that in the 10 weeks following the declaration of the COVID-19 national emergency, visits to emergency departments significantly declined for heart attacks (23%) and strokes (20%). CDC recognizes that those with serious heart conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Additionally, there are higher COVID-19-related death rates in those with cardiovascular disease, and the United States has continued to see a reduction in emergency care for life-threatening cardiovascular events. In response, the Million Hearts® initiative created short (30-second), animated PSAs for the general public that encourage individuals to seek emergency care for heart attacks or strokes and promote the importance of heart health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NACDD joins the CDC Million Hearts initiative and health organizations across the nation in spotlighting the importance of maintaining your heart health. Check out one of the CDC-approved public service announcements reminding Americans to guard their heart health. The Million Hearts® Initiative is dedicated to preventing 1 million heart attacks, strokes, and related conditions by 2022. Together we can remind Americans to focus on their heart health, especially during COVID-19.

Read more from the August 2020 issue of Impact Brief below.

• Two New Health Simulations Launched
  NACDD joins CDC, Kognito, and prostate cancer advocates throughout the U.S. to observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month all September. Each year, approximately 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer. Early screening and detection saves lives. We encourage men to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening and treatment options. Learn more at cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm.  NACDD and its partners, CDC and… Read more: Two New Health Simulations Launched
• September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
  Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) was created by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to raise awareness about rheumatic diseases and the more than 52.5 Americans who live with them. Rheumatic diseases can affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Some rheumatic diseases can also affect the organs.  Rheumatic diseases include lupus, spondyloarthropathies, and many types… Read more: September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
• NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
  On July 23, 2020, NACDD convened its second Community of Practice webinar for Component 2 states. In collaboration with the Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS) at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Component 2 states were introduced to CPHSS’s Program and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tools. Recognizing that sustainability is a major challenge… Read more: NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
• PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority – with heart disease and stroke continuing to be the No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death in the United States. In a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC noted that in the 10 weeks following the declaration… Read more: PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• September is World Alzheimer’s Month
  World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness about and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is Sept. 21. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, and is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry… Read more: September is World Alzheimer’s Month