HHS and ONC Initiatives

Since 1963, Congress has required the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month.” Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease is coronary which appears as a heart attack. American Heart Month provides an “important reminder that it is never too early to take action to improve our heart health”. Take some time this month to assess your heart healthy lifestyle. See the CDC’s steps you can take to prevent this chronic disease.

Last September HHS launched the Million Hearts™. This national initiative wants to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. It will brings together communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and private-sector partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke. Join the cause.

ONC added a Million Hearts Innovation Challenge and $75,000 in prize money for winners. The challenge was for developers and innovators to design applications that empowered and helped users improve their heart health. All submission are in and winners will be announced at the end of March. Read about the challenge and judges.

Happy Valentine’s Day!