The American Heart Association is the oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke in the United States. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the organization includes 22.5 million volunteers and supporters. It funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies, and provides critical tools and information to save and improve lives. It includes 156 local offices and more than 3,000 employees. The American Stroke Association, created as a division in 1997, brings together the organization's stroke-related activities.