The American Heart Association has been identified as the most trusted source of public health information after personal physicians, according to new polling data from the independent Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The findings come at a time when trust in health information faces significant challenges, highlighting the critical role of evidence-driven organizations in combating misinformation.
According to the APPC poll, 82% of U.S. adults express confidence in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy public health information. This places the organization immediately behind personal healthcare providers, whom 86% of Americans trust for reliable health information. The survey, conducted February 3-17, 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,650 adults, has a margin of error of 3.5 points.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that public trust is earned through rigorous scientific standards and transparent practices. "Public trust in the American Heart Association is earned - one rigorous study, one transparent guideline and one lifesaving action at a time," Brown stated. "We are grateful that the Annenberg survey reflects continued strong confidence in public health organizations like ours that remained grounded in science."
The APPC findings underscore the ongoing importance of independent, science-driven organizations in navigating today's challenging information environment. For more than a century, the Association has advanced scientific research informing cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, translating evidence into actionable guidance for the public, patients, clinicians, and policymakers. The organization maintains its commitment to scientific integrity through the work of volunteer scientists, clinicians, leaders, professional staff, community volunteers, and donors.
The complete Annenberg Public Policy Center report, "Stark Divide: Americans More Confident in Career Scientists at U.S. Health Agencies Than Leaders," was released on March 5, 2026 and is available for reference. The American Heart Association was not involved in the poll's design, execution, or analysis, ensuring the independence of the findings. Additional resources and multimedia content related to this announcement can be accessed through the organization's official channels.
For business and technology leaders, these findings carry significant implications for how organizations establish and maintain credibility in an era of information overload. The American Heart Association's position as a trusted authority demonstrates the value of consistent, evidence-based communication and transparent scientific practices. As organizations across sectors grapple with misinformation challenges, the Association's approach offers a model for building lasting public trust through rigorous standards and community engagement. The poll results suggest that when organizations prioritize scientific integrity over short-term messaging, they can achieve sustainable credibility that withstands broader trust erosion in public institutions.
