(Utica, NY – July 2014) The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) is proud to announce a new program aimed at improving the health of its diverse community.
During a recent news conference, the AHA/ASA officially kicked off the Have Faith In Heart program.
Have Faith In Heart brings information on heart disease, stroke, risks factors, prevention, and healthy living to Mohawk Valley churches and community groups. The AHA/ASA is working closely with several organizations, including the NAACP Utica, Oneida County Chapter; Mohawk Valley Latino Association; Mohawk Valley Community Action; and Workforce Development to reach as many people as possible.
“Have Faith In Heart is a cultural diversity program through the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement,” said Louis Brindisi, of Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi & Pearlman, LLP, program sponsors. “The program is intended to provide education and outreach programs to our multicultural community, with a focus on those minority groups that are at the highest risk. We want to create awareness of the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, as well as educate minority communities on how to prevent these dangerous diseases.”
Many minority groups face higher risks for heart disease and stroke, our nation’s number one and number four killers. For example, African Americans have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure in the world. Close to 70% of Latinas have at least one risk factor for heart disease. The Have Faith In Heart program will help the AHA/ASA reach its 2020 Impact Goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%, by the year 2020.
Through the Have Faith In Heart program, the AHA/ASA will present educational information at several events, including the NAACP health fair, WIC family picnic, MVLA 9th annual Latino American Festival, and more. Heart health information will also be presented during church services in several parishes.
Any community organizations interested in featuring information from the AHA/ASA should contact Anne Sullivan, Director of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk and Go Red For Women at (315) 580-3961.