Youth heart health advocacy, built for impact in BC.
HeartWise Foundation is a registered youth-led BC nonprofit advancing youth heart health through education, research, school engagement, and leadership programs that turn awareness into measurable community action.
- Registered Canadian nonprofit
- Based in Surrey, BC
- Founded & led by students
- Guided by health professionals
A youth-led foundation with a clinically serious mission.
HeartWise Foundation exists to protect and strengthen youth heart health in British Columbia by helping young people understand their hearts, speak up early, and take action. Through youth-led education, data-driven advocacy, school engagement, and leadership programs, HeartWise turns awareness into real, measurable change for communities across BC.
Heart valve disease is common, serious, and far too often missed.
- 1 in 8
- Canadians over 75 are living with heart valve disease.Source: Institute of Health Economics / Canadian Cardiovascular Society, 2022
- 1M+
- Canadians are living with heart valve disease — and more than half of cases go undetected.Source: Heart Valve Voice Canada / IHE, 2022; OxVALVE, European Heart Journal, 2016
- ~50%
- of people with severe aortic stenosis don't receive the valve replacement they need.Source: Li et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2022
- 3%
- of Canadians over 60 have even heard of aortic stenosis, the most common heart valve disease.Source: Heart Valve Voice Canada national survey, 2020
Awareness. Research. Fellowship. Schools.
Awareness
Make heart health education clear, accessible, and youth-friendly.
Research
Publish youth-led research and policy reports through the HeartWise Observatory — insights stakeholders can act on.
Fellowship
Support youth leaders developing solutions for cardiovascular health challenges.
School Engagement
Partner with schools and ambassadors to bring heart health awareness into communities.
Five programs. One mission.
#KnowYourMurmur
A province-wide campaign teaching students, families, and educators to recognize the signs of aortic heart valve disease — and act early.
Explore
HeartWise Observatory
Our youth-led research hub tracking cardiovascular health data and policy — home of the insight and policy reports stakeholders can act on.
Explore
Youth Innovation Fellowship
A selective 8-week program backing students building real solutions in cardiovascular health, ending in the HeartWise Summit.
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Youth Ambassador Program
High school students lead heart-health workshops, webinars, and presentations in their own schools and communities.
Explore
Book a Workshop
Bring a youth-led heart-health workshop to your school, youth group, or community organization — practical, engaging, and free.
ExploreHelp us reach every young heart in British Columbia.
Every contribution funds workshops, resources, and the youth programs that turn heart health awareness into earlier action.
HeartWise Foundation is a registered Canadian nonprofit based in Surrey, BC.
Updates, research, and stories.
Educational content, event recaps, fellowship stories, and the latest from across our programs.
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HeartWise provides general heart health education only. It does not replace medical diagnosis or advice. If you have symptoms or health concerns, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. If the situation is urgent, contact emergency services.