The association annually presents the Gold Heart Award – its highest honor – to select individuals who have rendered “the most distinguished service” in advancing the objectives of the organization. Recipients are chosen primarily for their “continued and significant contributions” over time to the association and its programs.
Recipients of the 2001 Gold Heart Award were Jan L. Breslow, M.D., Frederick Henry Leonard professor & director of the biochemical genetic and metabolism laboratory at Rockefeller University, and David A. Ness, vice president of compensation and benefits for Medtronic, a medical technology company.
An American Heart Association volunteer for almost 20 years, Breslow was honored for his profound leadership in research and research administration. Breslow has chaired numerous research committees for the association, served on the Heritage Affiliate Board of Directors in New York City and served as president of the national center board from 1996-1997.
During the 1980s, Ness served on numerous finance and compensation committees at the national level and was highly instrumental in leading the organization through a period of tremendous change. In 1994, while serving as secretary of the national board of directors, Ness chaired the 21st century steering committee, which helped define the optimum overall structure to move the organization into the new century.
The American Heart Association spent about $337 million during fiscal year 1999-2000 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. Nationwide, the organization has grown to include more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who carry out its mission in communities across the country. The association is the largest nonprofit voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which kill about 950,000 Americans every year.