Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. And The American Heart Association Launch Collaboration To Strengthen National Heart-Health Awareness And Prevention Efforts

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. announced a new collaboration with the American Heart Association to advance awareness, prevention efforts and community health programs aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease. The partnership brings together two organizations committed to improving long-term health outcomes through science, education and community engagement.

Kristen Eisenhauer, Chief Commercial Officer of Charles River Laboratories, noted that recent data from the American Heart Association highlights the significant impact cardiovascular disease continues to have on families and communities. She emphasized that the company is proud to contribute to initiatives focused on prevention, education and sustained scientific progress to improve cardiovascular health worldwide.

As part of the collaboration, Charles River will support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Boston campaign, an initiative designed to promote better health outcomes across Boston and nationwide. This contribution aligns closely with Charles River’s mission of creating healthier lives and its broader Corporate Citizenship strategy, which focuses on advancing human health beyond laboratory settings.

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for public health. According to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke currently stands as the fourth-leading cause. Together, these conditions account for more than one in four deaths across the country, even with recent improvement in overall cardiovascular mortality trends.

Although the latest data indicates a decline in total cardiovascular-related deaths after several years of increases associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the report points to ongoing risks across the population. High rates of hypertension, diabetes and obesity continue to contribute to cardiovascular disease, underscoring the importance of education and research as well as collaboration between public and private organizations.

The new partnership reflects a shared understanding that sustained progress in cardiovascular health requires a combination of scientific innovation, community-centered initiatives and accessible prevention programs. By supporting the American Heart Association’s efforts, Charles River aims to contribute meaningfully to long-term improvements in cardiovascular outcomes and expanded health equity.