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Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon
MissionOur mission is for life The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based organization, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through:
Board of Directors
Back Row (left to right): Dr. Azim Jamal, Mr. Diego Marchese (COO), Dr. Richard Hooper, Dr. Brian Ayotte, Dr. Doug Clement, Mr. Peter Scott (Chair), and Ms. Bobbe Wood (Pres. & CEO)
Charitable Gift InformationLegal Name: Serving the People of BC & YukonIn a typical year, 40,000 people are hospitalized for heart conditions and 9,000 people for a stroke event. In addition, 1998 statistics show that 121,000 people in BC are living and coping with heart disease. People like you - your friends, family and neighbours. As the population ages, that number is set to increase significantly in the 21st century. Over the years, the enormous generosity of the people of BC and the Yukon has led to earmarking an astounding $65 MILLION to scientific research, in BC - enabling research breakthroughs in science and technology and the development of innovative health promotion programs. AdvocacyAdvocacy is a catch-all word for the skills used to create a shift in the environment - from mobilizing resources to changing public opinion. Its goal is to increase the power of people and groups so they can define problems and solutions in their environment. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon's Advocacy program seeks to influence public policy and regulatory change to decrease the impact of tobacco, increase physical activity, encourage heart-healthy eating, and address the needs of the heart patients and stroke survivors. By working together, we can change social norms and build a heart-healthy society. Advocacy continues its successful work in the area of environmental tobacco smoke with ongoing activities aimed at supporting the new Workers' Compensation Board regulations. In addition, two position papers were completed on physical activity and nutrition with discussions currently under way on how to achieve the recommendations put forward. Of note is the publication of statistical information regarding heart disease and stroke in communities throughout British Columbia, produced in partnership with BC's Ministry of Health (see www.heart-health.org/factbook) ResearchThe Foundation's goal is to make BC a world centre for heart and stroke research and to keep the finest minds at work in BC. To do so, we fund a portfolio of research grants as well as a comprehensive Career Pathway. Grants-in-Aid enable researchers to purchase supplies and materials and technical support to study the cause, prevention or treatment of heart disease and stroke. Obtaining a grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation is not easy. The competition is fierce and a rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the very best are funded. Over the last 40 years, our dedicated donors have funded more than 60 million dollars of heart disease and stroke research in BC and the Yukon. The following are just some of the projects your efforts have made possible this year:
Health PromotionResearch continues to tell us that lifestyle can be a significant determinant of who is at risk for cardiovascular disease. Prevention is key in the fight against heart disease and stroke and the Foundation is committed to providing significant funds to support education programs that will teach the value of heart health lifestyles. From kids in school - HeartSmart Kids™ grades K through 6 - from cookbooks for the general public, to walking clubs and recovery skills, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon delivers a wide range of initiatives. The knowledge is yours to share - contact the Foundation, toll free at 1-888-HSF INFO (1-888-473-4636) FundraisingThe results of many years of diligence, determination and perseverance on the part of world-class researchers and scientists are coming back to our communities. Just think about this: it is only one generation ago that the treatment for a heart attack was up to six months bed-rest and the only medications available were painkillers. Today, among many world-class projects, researchers are increasingly stretching into the area of gene therapy to improve the performance of damaged hearts. Research discoveries do last many lifetimes! Patient SupportNow that more people are surviving heart attack and stroke, the challenge is to improve survivors' quality of life and prevent a second occurrence. Patient support programs help heart patients and stroke survivors manage and understand their conditions. For people who have had a heart attack, stroke, heart surgery, suffer from angina or any kind of heart disease, the Foundation has the program and resource materials to help the recovery process. Patient and Family Resource Centres - Provide information and support to heart disease and stroke patients and their families during their hospital stay. These centres are located in major hospitals and health centres around the province. Recovery Road, Let's Talk About Stroke, and Heart & Soul - These are take-home resources for patients of heart disease and stroke and their families. These publications are distributed in hospitals, directly to patients, and are available by calling our information line at: 1-888-HSF-INFO. *********************************-- The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon adheres to Imagine Canada Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code. Read the abridged code of ethics. |
