History of Young People's Healthy Heart Program

The Young People’s Healthy Heart Program in Valley City, North Dakota, originated in 1982 at Mercy Hospital under the direction of Sharon E. Buhr, MPH, LRD. Grants to promote heart health in elementary students provided the initial funds; lesson plans on behavior change and heart health were developed.

Test tube visuals were designed as part of the program and have been marketed across the United States and beyond for over 15 years. The funds from the sales of the test tube visuals allow the staff to promote nutrition and physical activity in the area and across the state of North Dakota. The focus is on people of all ages because everyone can be ‘young at heart.’

Food and Health Communications, owner of the Nutrition Education Store, purchased the YPHHP business after successfully selling it for years, hoping to keep it thriving for generations. Read the story here.