Gerald R. Ford

“ And I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to heed the nationwide problem of heart and blood vessel diseases. Our support of programs to prevent premature death from cardiovascular diseases is essential to combat this leading menace to the Nation's health. ”

“ Over the years, two agencies have been the prime movers in the Nation's assault on the cardiovascular diseases. One is the National Heart and Lung Institute, an agency of the Federal Government; the other is the American Heart Association, a voluntary health organization that draws its operating funds from private contributions. ”