The American Heart Association has expanded its free online community, the Support Network, to offer more personalized ways for members to find connection, support, and resources based on their health journey and needs. The announcement comes as National Family Caregivers Month is observed in November, drawing attention to the importance of connection and community for people affected by heart disease and stroke, including those caring for a loved one.
Heart disease and stroke can change daily life in ways that are difficult to navigate alone. The Support Network provides emotional support and shared lived experience for patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout their health journey. Members can share stories, ask questions, and offer and receive encouragement as their needs change.
“When I experienced multiple heart attacks, I quickly learned that recovery involves much more than healing physically. I needed connection with people who have experienced similar challenges,” shared David Thomas, a heart attack survivor and Support Network member from Medford Lakes, New Jersey. “I found a community where I could share my story, ask questions and speak openly with people who understood the physical and emotional impact of a heart event. The compassion and encouragement helped me feel understood, supported and heard. No one should have to navigate recovery alone.”
The enhanced Support Network now allows members to connect one-on-one with people who understand by finding and messaging members who share similar lived experiences or joining discussions focused on heart and stroke topics. Members can also find support that evolves with their needs by discovering virtual and in-person support groups, events, and educational opportunities, whether they are newly diagnosed, recovering from a heart event or stroke, caring for a loved one, or managing a chronic condition over time. Additionally, they can explore resources for the moment and beyond, including information and connections to additional support and social services that can address immediate needs and broader well-being. Members can share and learn from lived experience by asking questions, sharing a personal story, and exchanging encouragement with others in the community.
“Caring for your health includes both your physical health and your overall well-being. Meaningful connections with people who understand what you’re going through can be an important source of support,” said Glenn Levine, M.D., American Heart Association volunteer and professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “Whether someone is adjusting to a diagnosis, managing a health condition or caring for a loved one, connecting with others who share similar experiences can bring understanding, encouragement and a sense of belonging.”
Healthcare professionals can also share the Support Network with patients, survivors, and caregivers seeking peer connection, emotional support, and trusted information beyond the clinical setting. No matter where individuals are on their journey, support is available 24/7.
The expansion matters because it offers a scalable, accessible resource for emotional and practical support, which can be crucial for recovery and management of chronic conditions. For caregivers, who often face significant stress, the network provides a space to connect with others who understand their challenges. As the American Heart Association notes, the Support Network is a free online community that complements clinical care by addressing the emotional and social needs of those affected by heart disease and stroke.
For additional resources, the Association offers a Spanish News Release, Caregiver Support, Life After a Heart Attack, and Life After Stroke. To find your community, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
