Northern California

For over 40 years, advocacy has been at the heart of our mission. We’re committed to creating a healthier future for everyone. Here’s how we’re making a difference in California and in our local communities:

Prioritizing Public Health

Our legislative and regulatory efforts mitigate risk factors and protect survivors across the country. We champion evidence-based public policies that lead to longer, healthier lives.

In California, we focus on five major policy areas: Tobacco Free, Quality Systems of Care, Healthy Eating, Active Living, and Access to Care.

Thanks to advocacy efforts, Californians took a stand in November of 2022. You voted to uphold the law that ends the sale of flavored tobacco products – including menthol cigarettes. Studies consistently show the reason most young people start using e-cigarettes – and why they get hooked – is because they are sold in the candy, fruit and mint flavors kids like. California now has the nation's strongest protections against the tobacco industry’s business model that markets deadly tobacco products to kids, especially those who live in Black and brown communities.

A Landmark Win for Healthy School Meals

In the fall of 2023, California became the first state in the nation to ensure school meals are healthy by limiting added salt and sugar. Aligned with national and pediatrician recommended guidelines, this move will protect young people from diet-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The American Heart Association was among the organizations that sponsored Senate Bill 348, championed by Sen. Nancy Skinner.

Standing Strong Against Secondhand Smoke

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 374 which would have rolled back secondhand smoke protection in workplaces, including allowing cannabis lounges to become restaurants or venues with live music. This is a significant win to protect the health of California workers from being forced to endure a toxic environment to keep thei jobs.

Join our network of You’re the Cure advocates to continue to improve the health of all Californians.

The American Heart Association in the Central Valley is working with community collaborators to make an impact in three key areas: supporting residents managing high blood pressure, working to ensure our community has access to the healthy and nutritious foods that sustain health and eliminating the use of tobacco and nicotine products.

By bringing together organizations, sponsors, companies and community partners across the Central Valley, we will save and improve lives. Equity is always at the center of our work, and it will continue to guide all that we do. Thank you for your continued support.

In the heart of the Greater Bay Area, a powerful alliance is underway. The American Heart Association in collaboration with West Oakland Health, whose clinical sites include West Oakland Health Center, East Oakland Health Center, and AJ Thomas Medical Center are joining forces to make it easier for thousands of under-resourced Oakland residents to manage their high blood pressure. 

A validated blood pressure device procurement policy was adopted and implemented by the Population Health Program Manager for West Oakland Health on October 14, 2022. This policy will ensure all blood pressure devices provided to patients, donated to, or purchased by West Oakland Health, are clinically validated according to a recognized validated device list such as the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing, the British and Irish Hypertension Society, or Stride BP. 

Addressing hypertension in West and East Oakland is vital to the mission of the American Heart Association and West Oakland Health as residents of both neighborhoods have been highly impacted by divestment and gentrification over the years due to structural racism. Patients living in these neighborhoods face challenges including violence, lack of nutrition security, and poor public transit for accessing prescription medications, all of which impacts their ability to manage their hypertension.

Our Greater Bay Area division serves Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma counties.

The American Heart Association is committed to driving equitable health impact in the Sacramento Valley through five key priority areas: women, COVID19, tobacco and vaping, patients and healthy living through nutrition and mental well-being. Equity is always at the center of our work, and it will continue to guide all that we do. Through our focus on these key impact areas, we can improve the health and well-being of our community while saving and improving countless lives.

People are counting on us as never before. Together, we will drive change, and we will be relentless. Thank you for your continued support.