ABOUT HIS
Together, heart attack and stroke are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing the nation. They are also the leading cause of disparities in life expectancy among different races. Specifically, African American men are nearly 25 percent more likely to die from heart disease, compared to non-Hispanic white men.
Knowing this, the initiative was developed as part of the Million Hearts® campaign to increase awareness of the preventability of heart attacks and strokes among African American men and promote engagement with the healthcare system through existing programs and networks.
OUR APPROACH
Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Million Hearts® is a national initiative that has set a goal to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 by:
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Improving access to effective care,
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Improving the quality of care for the ABCS (Aspirin when appropriate, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation);
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Focusing clinical attention on the prevention of heart attack and stroke;
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Activating the public to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle;
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Improving the prescription and adherence to appropriate medications for the ABCS.
OUR FOCUS
This project targets African American men by:
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De-stigmatizing a healthy lifestyle by connecting it to power, control, masculinity and tradition;
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Inspiring proactivity around seeking diagnosis and care by creating culturally-tailored tools that empower patients to engage with healthcare providers;
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Encouraging simple, low-cost actions to improve nutrition and physical activity;
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Educating at-risk patients to alleviate negative feelings and confusion around medication and its role in controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
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Leveraging influence of family and peers to motivate and support men.
