Description
BLKHLTH is dedicated to engaging the public and health professionals by sharing content and hosting workshops and events that create spaces for education and action. They envision and work towards a world that allows people to achieve optimal health. To learn more about their efforts to improve heart health for Black Americans, The Heart Truth® connected with Co-founder and Creative and Communications Director at BLKHLTH, Paulah Wheeler, M.P.H.
Why is heart health important to address among Black Americans?
Heart health is a critical issue for Black Americans due to the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular diseases in our communities. There are disparities in access to healthy food, quality healthcare, and opportunities for physical activity — all of which contribute to the higher rates of heart disease, hypertension, and related conditions among Black Americans. Addressing heart health is essential not only to prevent illness, but also to empower our communities to thrive.
How does BLKHLTH work to encourage heart-healthy living in Black communities?
BLKHLTH encourages heart-healthy living by developing culturally tailored, community-engaged programming. We connect Black communities to health screenings and provide health resources and information through our events, workshops, and digital education. Additionally, we work to dismantle structural barriers to health by partnering with organizations that promote equitable access to care and support.
What resources or programs do you have that promote heart health?
BLKHLTH promotes heart health through a variety of programs, including:
- Community health events: We offer on-site screenings for blood pressure and other cardiovascular health indicators, providing participants with actionable health insights. At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, we partnered with the Black Heart Association to provide screenings for conference attendees and hosted a BLKHLTH Conversations session about heart health in Black communities.
- Digital campaigns: Our social media content educates and inspires heart-healthy habits, tailored specifically to Black communities, such as our video series on Cardiovascular Health for Black Women in Pregnancy featuring Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
What have been some benefits of the partnership between BLKHLTH and The Heart Truth?
The partnership with The Heart Truth has amplified BLKHLTH’s ability to address cardiovascular health in Black communities. By leveraging The Heart Truth’s resources and expertise, we’ve been able to deliver targeted education and engage with a broader audience. We’ve been glad to share resources and information with our audience and introduce them to heart-healthy strategies they can use in their daily lives. Together, we’ve raised awareness about the importance of heart health and encouraged conversations about systemic barriers that contribute to poor health outcomes.
Are there resources from The Heart Truth that you have found useful and have shared in your education and outreach efforts?
Yes, the information provided by Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens during our conversation on Cardiovascular Health for Black Women in Pregnancy has been especially useful for our audience and aligns closely with BLKHLTH’s work in the maternal health space. These resources help make complex health information accessible and actionable for the communities we serve, furthering our mission to promote health and wellness for everyone.
Links to additional resources
