American Forests enters a strategic alliance with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the connection between tree cover and cardiovascular health.
Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2025) — Today, American Forests, the oldest national conservation organization in the US, announced that the American Heart Association, a leading organization dedicated to changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, has officially joined its Tree Equity Alliance. The American Heart Association joins an innovative partnership of esteemed organizations who are advocating for adequate tree cover in all American communities.
The addition of the American Heart Association to the Tree Equity Alliance represents a significant step forward in the Alliance’s mission to create a unified voice on the critical need for tree canopy and to pool resources and expertise to advance tree cover across 100 cities by 2030. As part of the Alliance, the American Heart Association will leverage its expertise and network to raise awareness about the profound health benefits of urban forestry and its ability to improve health outcomes, especially for heart health.
“Trees and forests are not just essential for environmental health — they are crucial for our overall well-being,” explained Benita Hussain, Chief Program Officer of Tree Equity at American Forests. “Increasing tree canopy in our communities helps to reduce heat stress and improve air quality, while providing a critical resource that benefits heart health and can save lives, particularly in urban communities. Working with the American Heart Association gives us a platform to reinforce the tie between trees and heart health and is a significant step toward creating a healthier future for all.”
Research shows the undeniable connection between nature and heart health. In particular, areas abundant in trees, grass and plants have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by improving mental health, improving air quality and encouraging physical activity. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that individuals living in green spaces had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and showed improved mental health thanks to more frequent social interactions, which can benefit cardiovascular health as well.
“The connection between urban tree canopy and heart health is undeniable. Expanding tree cover in urban areas helps mitigate extreme heat, improves air quality, and fosters community spaces that encourage physical activity, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular health outcomes,” said Pamela Garmon Johnson, senior vice-president, Healthy Living, Next Gen Programs at the American Heart Association. “This alliance helps to advance our mission to create healthier communities by addressing a key social determinant of health—access to green spaces.”
To mark the launch of this strategic alliance, American Forests and the American Heart Association will be speaking at SXSW at an event titled, “Beating the Heat: How Tree Equity Is the Issue of Our Time,” to discuss the critical role urban tree canopy plays in cooling neighborhoods and improving public health. The event will highlight how extreme heat, which kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather or climate disaster, disproportionately affects communities in urban areas where a lack of tree cover can worsen the impact of heat, increasing heat-related illnesses and leading to poor health outcomes.
To learn more about the efforts of the Tree Equity Alliance, visit https://www.americanforests.org/coalition/tree-equity-alliance/
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About American Forests
American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: www.americanforests.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Contact
Chris Broda-Bahm
Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications, American Forests
(202)-370-4520