On February 2, 2015, the American Heart Association joined hands with Mecklenburg County Health Department’s Village HeartBEAT program to educate the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners on our commitment to building a healthier community.
Village Heart B.E.A.T., Building Education and Accountability Together is designed to promote better heart health awareness and to enhance community resources in a coordinated health care service model to address obesity and heart disease awareness among African American and the Hispanic populations. Founded by local health advocate Cheryl Emanuel, this free fitness program is aimed at a fun healthy competition among competing faith-based congregations, each with a team of 10 participants accepting the challenge to lowering their heart disease risk factors. The AHA works alongside Village HeartBEAT to provide education, training and materials for all participants.
Hundreds were in attendance dressed in red to promote Go Red and American Heart Month. The American Heart Association was represented by Charlotte Board member Dr. Sandra Burke. Additional guest speakers included Sharon Ricks with Million Hearts® initiative, Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown with Novant Health and Rev. Boyd, Pastor of Rockwell AME Zion Church.
The commissioners responded with personal stories of how heart disease has impacted them and were extremely appreciative of the turn out and support. Chairman Trevor Fuller expressed gratitude for the example we all set and thanked us for attending. Chairman Fuller wrapped up the presentation by declaring; "We are going to make Mecklenburg County a healthy county".
The American Heart Association is a proud partner of Village HeartBEAT and we look forward to our continued efforts surrounding cardiovascular disease and stroke.
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