Projects & Programs

Heart of a Giant Foundation

HGF

Projects & Programs

HGF improves early detection, diagnosis, and support for cardiac risk factors in high-risk populations. We promote healthy living, prevent chronic diseases, and improve health outcomes using innovative approaches. All programs are HIPAA compliant and aim to support the whole patient journey.

Project Health Joe: Awareness Raising and Advocacy

Program Nicole & Neal: Screening and Education

Living with Heart Disease Podcast

Program Jolie: Hypertension Prevention and Management for Expectant Black Mothers in Boston, MA

Join us in making a difference for a healthier future.

Project Health Joe: Awareness Raising and Advocacy

Project Joe by HGF raises awareness and advocates for patients and caregivers. Our goal is to promote a culture of care that leads to better health outcomes through education and information about heart diseases.

We amplify the voices of patients, caregivers, health practitioners, and advocacy leaders to educate our audience on living with a heart condition and enjoying a longer, healthier life.

We use various communication methods, such as blogging, podcasting, public speaking, organizing meetings, and using the web and social media platforms. We convey our messages through our website and blogs, Instagram pages, Facebook page, private community group, YouTube channel, Eventbrite, and Living with Heart Disease podcast, available on iTunes, Google, Spotify, and other platforms.

Expected Outcomes:

Raise awareness about heart diseases and related conditions.

Build a supportive community for patients, caregivers, providers, and policymakers.

Motivate people to make positive lifestyle changes.

Destigmatize high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.

Educate people about warning signs and risk factors.

Join us in raising awareness for heart diseases and promoting a culture of care.

Program Nicole & Neal: Screening and Education

Program Nicole & Neal promotes healthy living to prevent heart disease, especially among Black populations. HGF offers free hypertension screening and education in Boston neighborhoods. Our health coaches provide one-on-one support and conduct screenings at community events.

In 2023, we accomplished the following:

Engaged in 425 interactions with participants over 11 months;

Hosted 38 screening and education events, two webinars, and six workshops

Six Boston neighborhoods: Brockton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, and Roxbury;

Conducted 355 screenings and one-on-one educational sessions.

Blood Pressure Screening and Education

At HGF, we conduct blood pressure screenings, education classes, and workshops to raise community awareness. Our local nurses and health workers offer assistance, education, and guidance. We conduct screenings and educational activities at community events to improve high blood pressure management, train participants on monitoring blood pressure at home, and offer practical tips for healthy living.

Cholesterol Awareness and Education Campaign

92 million US adults have high LDL cholesterol levels, which can lead to fatal heart diseases. HGF is partnering with the National Cholesterol Education Initiative in 2024 to increase awareness through our Cholesterol Education Campaign. We will focus on high-risk factors like diets high in saturated and trans fats, physical inactivity, excess weight, and certain health conditions.

Lipoprotein (a) Awareness and Screening Campaign

Lp(a) is a genetic risk factor for heart disease that is often overlooked. Early detection and proactive management of Lp(a) levels can significantly enhance heart health outcomes. Our program promotes heart health through coaching, screenings, and training.

Expected Outcomes

Early identification and treatment of high blood pressure.

Increased understanding of signs and symptoms and when to contact a healthcare provider.

More people can self-monitor their blood pressure.

Empowered participants are taking control of their heart health.

Peer-to-peer communication and community engagement.

Movement building and active community engagement.

Program Delivery Planning

We host program events with partners monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly. Our website and social media pages have weekly updates, and we focus on a monthly health topic to raise awareness. We collaborate with various organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), faith-based organizations, and community development centers.

In 2024, our goals are to achieve the following:

Our main priority remains to tackle high blood pressure and its related issues. To achieve this:

We aim to deliver over 60 screening and education events across 10+ locations, engaging with more than 600 adults.

We also plan to provide monthly blog posts on heart health and 12 'Living with Heart Disease' podcasts.

Additionally, host workshops focusing on various aspects of heart disease, such as hypertension, cholesterol and Lp(a), diabetes, healthy living, aging, and more.

Living with Heart Disease Podcast

"Hardships don't steal your voice, and setbacks don't stunt your growth; hence, a diagnosis will undoubtedly not silence you."

Our Living with Heart Disease platform shares inspiring stories from patients, families, caregivers, health professionals, and policy advocates. We break down stigmas associated with cardiovascular conditions and provide expert guidance on navigating healthcare systems. We're dedicated to inspiring and empowering our listeners to live longer, healthier lives after a heart disease diagnosis.

Join us on the Living with Heart Disease podcast hosted by Bouba Heart of a Giant and his team.

Listen Here

Program Jolie: Hypertension Prevention and Management for Expectant Black Mothers in Boston, MA

In 2023, HGF conducted the Healthy Hearts Communities Pilot Program to prevent and manage high blood pressure, and 78% moved into a lower blood pressure category. We launched Program Jolie in Boston in 2024 to fill gaps in care for Black maternal health. Program Jolie offers perinatal care to help expectant Black mothers achieve better pregnancy experiences and health outcomes, all at no cost.

Program Description:

Program Jolie supports the care of women from their 20th week of pregnancy up to 3 months postpartum. It collaborates with organizations to improve Black maternal health, heart health, and health equity.

Our Health Coaches deliver the program, supporting patients between doctor visits. The coaches are registered nurses, dietitians, social workers, and others with significant expertise. The program facilitates infant feeding support and mental health screenings with social workers and therapists.

The health coaches work one-on-one with participants to improve medication adherence, set realistic goals, and facilitate therapy and counseling. Expectant Black mothers can use advanced RPM technology with personal health coaching and receive a free personalized plan. The program targets pregnant adult (18+) women with no income eligibility requirement.

Goals and Expected Outcomes:

We build trust with hard-to-reach individuals and partner with care management programs to address healthcare gaps for better patient engagement and adherence.

Metrics and Expected Outcomes:

Enrollment > 30%

1.5M live interactions

25% increase in medication adherence

A1c reduction of 1.5 points

80% of participants move to the lower BP category

20% reduction in unhealthy days

90% participant satisfaction

For Participants:

HGF supports pregnant individuals with tools, knowledge, and coaching to improve their health and wellbeing.

Personalized education and support for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.

Understand health risks, manage medication, and establish a routine.

Track vital signs and symptoms through Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to detect changes early.

Safe physical activity and nutrition guidelines.

Develop self-advocacy and caregiver advocacy capacity.

Improve patient-physician relationships during prenatal, birth, and postpartum visits.

For Providers:

Program Jolie enhances the birthing experience with personalized support, improving care and fostering compliance.

Improve clinical outcomes, improve quality scores, and gain unique population insights.

Improve compliance and enhance treatment adherence. Strengthen doctor-patient relationships.

Track Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), data, and analytics.

Weight management through healthy eating and nutrition.

Enhance health literacy, encourage an active lifestyle, stress management, and healthy sleep habits to drive lifestyle and behavior change.

Methods of Delivery (Key Activities)

Our health coaches provide support from the 20th week of pregnancy to 3 months after childbirth. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for the mother and baby while promoting a positive birthing experience. Although they don't provide medical care, they offer personalized support to enhance the overall experience.

The program offers free-of-charge health coaching services that include personalized heart health risk-factor evaluation and education and coaching for preventing and managing health conditions.

The coaches provide remote patient monitoring, tailored feedback, nutrition, exercise, and medication adherence guidance.

Additionally, the program offers support for prenatal care, childbirth education, medication management, healthy lifestyle habits, and community resources.

Benefits and Data Analytics:

We aim to identify best practices for screening and referring participants and address social and material needs.

Our Program Team collects and monitors data with providers and partners based on hypotheses.

The research manager leads data and analytics, working with health coaches and community-based providers—the program partners with an external evaluator. The IRB ensures ethical conduct.

Results will help HGF further develop the program and improve health outcomes for expectant Black mothers.

News and Insights

Disclaimer:

The information shared on this page is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical issues.

Bouba's August 2024 Update

updates| Events| heartofagiant foundation| bouba| Board

August 03, 2024•5 min read

Hello friends, we're back after a period of quiet dedication and self-improvement. We've been busy working on ourselves and our foundation and are eager to share what we've been up to. The next few months will reveal why taking a hiatus was so worthwhile.

Health Update

I'm now approaching my 20th-month post-heart transplant, and I feel tremendous. The journey has been extraordinary, with the first and second years presenting vastly different experiences. I'm still in the process of fully embracing and integrating my new heart into my life. It's a unique sensation, like getting to know a new part of myself. My health has been remarkably good, and my body has responded well to the transplant, allowing me to recover swiftly and return to my family and work.

Regular follow-ups, from weekly to quarterly and even six-month intervals, have ensured everything is on track. My medical care has been exceptional, surpassing my expectations. My doctors have been incredibly committed, with one of them even referring to my progress as a "medical miracle." I'm extremely grateful for their support and expertise.

Personal Milestones

Last year, I celebrated my first transplant anniversary, which coincided with my first work anniversary in my current job, as I had started working just a couple of weeks before the transplant. Around the same time, my wife and I prepared for our wedding renewal, a beautiful celebration of our 10-year union. The event was filled with meaning and symbolism. I was overwhelmed with emotion as friends and family, including those who have known me since birth and watched my children grow, gathered to celebrate with us.

Before the celebration, I traveled back to Dakar and Bamako for the first time in seven and a half years. I visited family and caught up with longtime friends. While it was bittersweet that my mom couldn't be there in person due to her dialysis treatments abroad, I knew she was with us in spirit. The trip was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with friends and put the final touches on our wedding plans.

It was epic!!! See the short recaps here: Recap A - Bouba and Des and Recap B - Bouba and Des.

Let me know if you’d like to see the full videos.

Professional Growth

Now, almost two years after the transplant, I've been reflecting on my life and priorities. My dedication to healthcare innovation and community support remains strong, and I'm considering my next career steps and how best to balance personal growth and responsibilities. I've even taken a semi-sabbatical to rest and recharge, which was much needed after the intense period of post-transplant recovery.

As a leader, I've taken the time to reflect and refine my vision and mission personally and for the foundation. Our focus areas are well-defined, and we want to expand our impact. One of the ideas we're exploring is geographical expansion, directly or through partnerships with other organizations.

While there have been challenges along the way, we've managed to navigate them and remain healthy. I'm grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I'm excited about the future. We're looking forward to sharing more updates soon and continuing to make a positive impact through our work.

Foundation Updates

This year, we have taken the time to slow down and strategize for the future. We have completed a strategic plan, which the Board will soon review. The year's first half has been dedicated to planning our expansion, setting new objectives, crafting a strategic plan for 2025-2030, revising budgets, and improving our programs. Our early successes have given us a strong foundation, and we are now focused on solidifying our operations and strengthening our team. This plan outlines our goals and initiatives for the coming years. Our team has grown significantly from 6-7 nurses to 17+ Community Health Coaches, composed of physicians, registered and professional nurses, social workers, nutritionists, dietitians, dental hygienists, pharmacists, and psychiatrists. This diverse team allows us to offer a holistic approach to our services. We are excited to soon share important updates, including our systems and programs. We are also building on the success of the past years with our partner organizations and have compelling stories to share soon.

We have also revamped our website (https://heartofagiant.org) and developed a bespoke CRM platform to streamline operations, manage our team and programs, handle grants and donations, and automate processes. This system will help us expand more efficiently, reducing paperwork and improving communication with patients and partners. We are excited to offer new programs, including diabetes awareness and management, cholesterol monitoring, and developing our remote patient monit

HGF Spotlight on Lenny Zakim Fund website.

We've also implemented a bespoke CRM system to optimize our processes and facilitate team management. This system allows us to manage our team more effectively, automate processes, and collaborate better with patients while protecting their files. Our website and platform have been revamped, and we're working on better telling our story and showcasing our impact.

Upcoming Projects and Events

We are exploring geographic expansion and deepening our impact online. To reach more people, we plan to establish a new space for in-person services and a mobile van.

Call for Support

Current needs at HGF include funding/donations and volunteers to assist with screenings, primarily volunteers with medical expertise.
We're looking to expand our Board and welcome new members with diverse skills and networks (See Ideal Board Member Personas and Minimum Obligations). If you're passionate about improving cardiac health outcomes and have experience in healthcare, non-profit management, finance, marketing, or community outreach, please contact us, refer, or nominate someone.

Upcoming Events

Community Heart Walk:** Save the date for October 12, when we'll celebrate our inaugural Heart of a Giant Day with the first Boston Community Heart Walk.
Gala Night: Our first gala will be held early next year, potentially in February (Heart Month). Stay tuned for more details and a save-the-date announcement.

How You Can Help with Fundraising Efforts

Subscribe to heartofagiant.org and follow our social media pages
Donate: Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated. Text to Donate: Text the code "OURWALK" to 44-321.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Consider setting up a fundraiser on behalf of the foundation.
Corporate Sponsorships: Connect us with potential sponsors or partners.
Spread the Word: Share our mission and events with your network.

Thank you for your continued support. Let's stay connected. We're excited about the future and grateful for your involvement. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to join our board, volunteer, or support us in any way.

In health,

Bouba

Bouba Heart of a Giant

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