A new national poll conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania has found that the American Heart Association is considered the most trusted source of public health information after personal physicians. According to the survey, 82% of U.S. adults express confidence in the Association to provide trustworthy public health information, placing it immediately behind personal healthcare providers, whom 86% of Americans trust.
The poll, conducted from February 3 through 17, 2026, among a nationally representative sample of 1,650 adults, reveals a stark contrast in public trust during a period when health misinformation poses significant risks. The findings suggest that Americans place strong confidence in major professional health and science organizations that maintain evidence-driven approaches to public health communication.
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 Association's century-long commitment to advancing cardiovascular science and translating research into actionable guidance appears to have solidified its reputation. The organization has consistently provided clear information on heart disease and stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to the public, patients, clinicians, and policymakers. Additional resources about the Association's work can be found at heart.org and stroke.org.
This trust ranking carries significant implications for public health communication. As misinformation continues to challenge health outcomes, evidence-based organizations like the American Heart Association play an essential role in supporting informed health decisions. The poll underscores the importance of maintaining scientific integrity and transparency in public health messaging, particularly when addressing complex health issues that affect millions of Americans.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center's full findings, including details about public confidence in various health information sources, are documented in their March 5, 2026 release titled "Stark Divide: Americans More Confident in Career Scientists at U.S. Health Agencies Than Leaders." The American Heart Association was not involved in the poll's design, execution, or analysis, according to the announcement. The survey has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
