Heart Disease and Stroke in Virginia: A Prevention & Control Plan 2008–2018

Download the Heart Disease & Stroke State Plan (3.5 MB)

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD, which includes heart disease and stroke) is the #1 killer of Virginians. It affects all Virginians, but has disproportionate effects on certain populations and locations. Factors that can cause increased risk for CVD such as poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use (including smoking), overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attack or stroke, and diabetes present significant problems that need to be addressed. In Virginia, CVD costs billions of dollars annually in health care costs (e.g. total cost of hospitalizations due to a primary diagnosis of CVD in 2005 was $3.6 billion), not to mention its personal effects on Virginians such as disability, financial burden, and mental and emotional stress.

Big problems require big solutions. This document is a comprehensive, strategic plan that addresses heart disease and stroke prevention and control for the entire state based on needs identified by data, input from stakeholders, and maximization of resources toward its implementation.

The purpose of this document, Heart Disease and Stroke in Virginia: A Prevention & Control Plan is to:

• Develop a consensus and unified vision among Virginia heart disease and stroke prevention and control stakeholders and partners
• Identify priorities and focus efforts related to heart disease and stroke prevention and control for Virginia
• Maximize resources to address heart disease and stroke prevention and control for Virginia
• Raise awareness about the burden of heart disease and stroke for Virginia and how individuals, organizations, and decision makers can support heart disease and stroke program initiatives
• Position organizations to seek funding and collaboration opportunities to address heart disease and stroke prevention and control

Virginia Heart Disease and Stroke Alliance

The Virginia Heart Disease and Stroke Alliance (VHDSA) was founded in 2000 when the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Project received categorical funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for promotion of cardiovascular health. A group of agencies and individuals, guided by information from the state on public health issues and data related to CVD, formed committees to address specific areas of health promotion: medical, school, community and faith-based, led by a Steering Committee. The initial focus was on primary prevention around policy and environmental changes related to nutrition and physical activity. With time, the focus shifted to include secondary prevention of heart disease and stroke.The Alliance has members representing organizations and agencies from healthcare, faith-based groups, non-profits, government, private businesses and academic institutions as well as concerned citizens, including heart disease and stroke survivors.

The Alliance’s vision is to be seen as the preeminent resource for heart disease and stroke prevention and control in Virginia. In 2008, the Alliance reviewed its mission and engaged in a committee restructure to ensure an organizational structure that supports and leads the state plan.

Accomplishments

Summary of VHDSA accomplishments are detailed on the web site (www.vhdsa.org).

Some highlights include:

• Educational conference for faith-based organizations
• Development of an emergency protocol toolkit for non-medical facilities
• Creation of a physical nutrition and activity guide for use by parents and in schools
• Creation of a training video on blood pressure measurement protocols for health professionals
• VHDSA leadership encourages the community, business leaders, healthcare professionals and others to join the Alliance in carrying out the vision for a healthier Virginia with improvements in heart disease and stroke prevention and control efforts. Those interested in becoming involved should visit the VHDSA web site at www.vhdsa.org.

Download the Heart Disease & Stroke State Plan (3.5 MB)