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Celebrate Health

The African American Heart Disease and Stroke Risk Reduction Program

Ledge Light Health District has been awarded a grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to improve awareness and knowledge within the black community about the prevention of heart disease and stroke risk factors, the importance of testing for and controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke, and the need to call 9-1-1.

Why African Americans?

• According to the American Stroke Association, blacks develop hypertension at an earlier age than whites, tend to have more severe high blood pressure and are less likely to receive treatment. The prevalence of high blood pressure among US blacks is the highest in the world, and they tend to have twice the risk of whites of a first-time stroke.
• According to the American Diabetes Association, since 2002 more than 3.2 million blacks older than 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes - a rate nearly twice that of whites. The death rates from diabetes among blacks are 27% higher than whites.
• Of Connecticut residents reporting having 2 or more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, 48.7% identified themselves as African American.
• Black men in New London County between the ages of 35 and 44 have over twice the rate of death from heart disease as white men in their age group.
• Less than 25% of African Americans get regular physical activity. 33% identify themselves as smokers and fewer than 25% report eating 5 fruits or vegetables daily.

What will Ledge Light Health District be doing?

• The African American Health Council (AAHC): The purpose of the newly established AAHC is to promote improvements in knowledge or awareness of CVD risk for black residents. Primary partners in the council include the Faith in Action Network, the Visiting Nurses Association of SECT, the American Red Cross and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, as well as business, individuals affected by heart disease and interested community members.
• The Celebrate Health Educational Series: The Six-Part Educational Series will focus on CVD risk factors and will be offered through faith based communities, workplaces and African American organizations.
• A Promotional Campaign: The 'all out' community awareness campaign will be conducted through websites, TV, radio, newspaper, libraries, schools, churches and senior centers.     

 
The Celebrate Health Program is funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.