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Mission & Goals

The mission of the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council is to promote cardiovascular health through prevention and risk reduction.


Goals:
  1. To prevent disease and promote optimal health for Maine people through evidence-based policies/laws, programs, services and other resources related to improvement of cardiovascular health.
  2. To advocate for a comprehensive coordinated statewide approach to cardiovascular health and risk reduction.
  3. To collaborate with and act in an advisory capacity to the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Cardiovascular Health Program (MCVHP).
  4. To  provide public and professional education about cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
  5. To promote expansion of resources to identify and manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
     
Facts
  • In the United States, as in most industrialized countries, non-communicable chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability
  • Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States, outnumbering deaths from all cancers and injuries combined.
  • Mortality from cardiovascular disease accounts for about 40% of all U.S. deaths.
  • While there has been an overall decline in the rate of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) since the 1960's, CVD remains the leading cause of death in this country and the leading cause of death in Maine.
  • Maine's CVD mortality rate in 1990 was 49% (4,533 people) of all deaths and Maine ranks twelfth in the nation for its rate of cardiovascular disease.
  • CVD also causes large numbers of disabilities and accounts for significant expenses associated with hospital care.
Accomplishments
  1. Reduced the rate of uncontrolled blood pressure in the Maine adult population by 33%
  2. Originated legislation resulting in $20,000 per year for work site blood pressure programs.
  3. Worked with the American Heart Association-Maine Affiliate and the Bureau of Health to prepare cholesterol screening guidelines.
  4. Provided continuing education programs for physicians, office nurses, community screening personnel, and other health professionals.
  5. Educated health professionals and the public through quarterly newsletters, workshops, publications, television, and newspapers.
  6. Actively supported funding for new Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Community Programs, resulting in an allocation of $100,000 to communities.
  7. Organized the Governor's Annual Cardiovascular Health Summit.
  8. Provide staff support for the Governor's Council on Physical Activity


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