FAQs
WYHF was founded to fill a critical gap in global health, the absence of a unified youth-led
movement focused on heart health. Cardiovascular diseases remain the world’s leading cause
of death, yet youth voices were often missing in shaping prevention strategies, innovation,
and policy. WYHF was created to empower young people as leaders, innovators, and advocates
who can bring fresh ideas and lasting change to cardiovascular health worldwide.
CVDs are the number one cause of mortality globally, responsible for over 20 million deaths
each year. Many risk factors, such as obesity, unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical
activity, start early in life and persist into adulthood. By concentrating on CVDs, WYHF
addresses both the leading cause of preventable death and the root risk factors behind other
major noncommunicable diseases. Focusing on heart health means focusing on the health of
entire communities.
Cardiovascular risk factors often begin early in life. Engaging young people ensures
prevention starts at the root while empowering youth as leaders in health, technology, and
policy change.
WYHF has two main categories of involvement:
- Volunteers (Under 35): Young people under 35 can become full members and actively participate in WYHF programs, chapters, research, advocacy, and leadership opportunities.
- Supporters (35 and above): Individuals over 35 are welcome to join as supporters, mentors, advisors, or partners. Their role is to guide and empower youth, provide expertise, and help strengthen the global mission.
No. WYHF welcomes youth volunteers and older supporters from all disciplines: medicine,
public health, policy, entrepreneurship, technology, and more. Diverse perspectives help us
create stronger, more innovative solutions.
- Network with professionals from diverse fields and gain insight into different work cultures
- Contribute to our collective mission of improving cardiovascular health worldwide
- Participate in national and global research studies
- Develop and grow your cardiovascular health startup ideas with organizational support
- Collaborate on groundbreaking technologies with expert mentorship and resources
- Collaborate and create educational materials in various formats to reach broader populations
- Advocate for cardiovascular health initiatives, events, and topics
Still have questions?
Contact us if you need any additional information not covered on this page.
