National Heart Institute
The National Heart Institute (NHI) was created by the U.S. National Heart Act of 1948. It was established to lead national efforts in the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart diseases. This institute later evolved into what is now known as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Mission
The original mission of the NHI was to spearhead research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and circulation diseases, aiming to improve the health outcomes of the American population through scientific advancements.[1]
Parent organization
The NHI was part of the NIH, which is under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.[2]
Legislation
The NHI was authorized by the National Heart Act of 1948, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 16, 1948.[3]
Number of employees
Specific historical data on the number of employees for the NHI in its early years is not readily available. However, as part of NIH, it would have been staffed by researchers, clinicians, and administrative personnel.
Organization structure
Initially, the NHI structure included:
- National Advisory Heart Council, which advised on policy and research directions.
- Intramural Research Program for in-house research.
- Extramural Research Programs for funding external research.
List of programs
- Research into cardiovascular diseases
- Training programs for medical professionals
- Public health initiatives for heart disease prevention
- Establishment of cooperative research units with universities and hospitals
Last total enacted budget
The budget for the NHI specifically in its early years isn't publicly detailed; however, it was part of the broader NIH budget, which has grown over time. For context, in 1948, the entire NIH budget was around $10 million.[4]
Leader
The NHI was led by a **Director**, with the first being Dr. C.J. Van Slyke.
Services provided
The NHI provided services by funding and conducting research on heart diseases, establishing research training programs, and coordinating national efforts to combat heart-related issues. It also disseminated information on heart health to the public and healthcare professionals.[5]
Regulations overseen
Although the NHI itself did not oversee regulations, it influenced health policy through its research findings and recommendations, particularly in areas related to heart disease prevention and treatment.
Headquarters address
The NHI, like its successor NHLBI, is located in Bethesda, Maryland, at the NIH campus, with an address of 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Website
The NHI no longer exists as a separate entity, but its functions are carried out by the NHLBI. The website for NHLBI is: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Wikipedia article
While there isn't a specific Wikipedia page for the NHI, its history is covered under: wikipedia:National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute