Announcement

HGF Named AHA EmPOWERED to Serve Ambassador

2023

4 min read

Heart of a Giant Foundation

We are delighted that the American Heart Association has named the Heart of a Giant Foundation as an EmPOWERED to Serve Community Ambassador for the third consecutive year.

EmPOWERED to Serve is a platform inspired by AHA volunteers who are passionate about driving change through health justice and empowerment. Through creative and innovative action in advocacy, policy, education, and social change models, community Ambassadors are the heartbeat of their mission.

The Challenge

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vascular dementia. In the US, nearly 500,000 deaths in 2018 included hypertension as a primary or contributing cause. An estimated 45% of adults have hypertension, but only 24% have their condition under control.

In Boston, 34% to 42% of individuals from communities such as Mattapan and Dorchester, predominantly Black and people of color, live with hypertension.

Our Community Work

HGF has partnered with organizations such as Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) to deliver a Blood Pressure Screening and Referral Initiative. Community partners include YMCA, Planet Fitness, Breaktime, Daily Table (Dorchester), and Community Servings, along with faith-based organizations like AME Bethel Church.

Thank you, AHA, for recognizing our community efforts in driving high blood pressure awareness, empowering individuals living with hypertension, and driving health equity in Black communities.

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