National Survey Offers Compelling Counter-Narrative to Divisiveness & Cynicism
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) today released the results of its 3rd Annual Heart of America Survey. This year’s findings, which include a surprisingly unified perspective on a major immigration issue, revealed a strong and growing desire for unity, empathy, and racial healing across the nation.
The survey, conducted by Burson’s Insights, Data, and Intelligence Group, found that the American spirit of unity is resurging. A powerful and consistent majority of Americans express hope for a more unified future, with 76% (up from 67% in 2023) believing Americans can work through challenges to find common ground. This optimism is underscored by a strong sense of national pride, with 72% of Americans expressing pride in their nationality in 2025, indicating a strong, underlying sense of national identity that transcends political factions. Complete
““Beneath the divisive political rhetoric and social media echo chambers, a far more profound story is unfolding in communities across the country,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s Executive Director. “Respondents in the Heart of America survey have revealed a nation grappling with profound challenges, but also
Burson conducted 1301 online interviews from May 30 to June 9, 2025. All respondents were 18 years old or older and included oversamples of young voters and voters of color to ensure adequate representation within the survey. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level was ±2.72 percentage points. The poll used a rigorous and unbiased methodology for questions and didn’t steer respondents toward negative or divisive answers. The survey was designed and conducted by Burson’s Insights, Data, and Intelligence Group, a reputable research firm with a proven track record in conducting large-scale, national surveys.
Dr. Christopher provides a comprehensive analysis of the poll in an article for Washington Monthly. Past survey results are archived in the renowned Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University, an inclusion underscoring the significance and quality of the survey’s methodology and findings. NCHE’s 2025 Heart of America Survey will also be housed at the Roper Center.
