Description
The Balm In Gilead, Inc. builds and strengthens the capacity of faith communities in the United States and the United Republic of Tanzania (East Africa) to deliver programs and services that aim to eliminate health disparities among people of the Black Diaspora. Their mission is to prevent diseases and improve the health of African Americans by supporting faith institutions in areas of program design, startup, and evaluation. The Balm In Gilead develops educational and training programs specifically designed to establish sustainable, integrated systems of public health and faith principles in underserved communities. To learn more about the importance of addressing high blood pressure in African American communities, The Heart Truth® connected with their Founder and CEO, Dr. Pernessa C. Seele.
How does blood pressure impact your heart health?
High blood pressure makes the arteries less elastic. This causes a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to the heart. The result is heart disease.
Why is it important to address high blood pressure in Black or African American communities?
Unfortunately, our communities have higher rates of high blood pressure than other groups. In fact, many people think high blood pressure is a “normal” part of aging. Because Black people are less likely to have their blood pressure under control, it is important to educate them about the disease and encourage them to seek medical care and practice healthy lifestyle choices related to diet and physical activity.
How does The Balm In Gilead work to improve heart health outcomes in Black or African American communities?
Because high blood pressure is so prevalent among our audience, which primarily includes members and leaders of faith communities, The Balm In Gilead features heart health in just about all its programs.
For instance, we operate a program called the Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative in six states. Participants become educated about the interplay of diabetes and heart health and are taught lifestyle practices related to diet and exercise. Additionally, we partner with faith communities to educate members about peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.), which accounts for higher rates of limb amputations in our communities.
What three actions can people take to improve their blood pressure numbers?
Without a doubt, the most important actions people can take are to:
- Commit to a healthy diet.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Stop smoking.
What have been some benefits of the partnership between The Balm In Gilead and The Heart Truth?
The Heart Truth provides information and tools that can be integrated across The Balm In Gilead’s programs and conferences.
Are there resources from The Heart Truth that you have found useful and have shared in your education and outreach efforts?
The Heart Truth is a key resource that has been shared with hundreds of participants in our Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative.
Links to additional resources
