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The pilot project launches today in 14 cities throughout the country—including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston—and will involve African-American youth ages 11 to 18.
Each of the 100 BMOA pilot sites will distribute the American Heart Association’s Family Health History Tree posters to their youth mentees, who will then complete it with their families. The poster helps families get to the root of their health history by filling in the names of family members and choosing the corresponding health conditions listed on the Family Tree.
The poster can be shared with a healthcare provider, who can work with individuals on a plan to reduce the risk of stroke for the individual and his/her family.
“This partnership will foster a pipeline of future leadership by encouraging youth mentees to serve as the next generation of ambassadors for the American Heart Association’s cause, Power To End Stroke,” said Albert
The partnership also will provide “a deeper grassroots education about the burden of stroke, which is greater among African Americans than other ethnic groups,” said
The organizations will help youth to be health leaders in their homes and communities,
In addition to the Family Health History Tree, the American Heart Association is creating a co-branded Tribute site available from PowerToEndStroke.org. People residing in the pilot cities may support the partnership by making a personal contribution via the Tribute site. These online donations will benefit the American Heart Association and 100 Black Men of America.
The 14 pilot sites participating in the stroke education project are: Atlanta; Jackson, Miss.; Greater Miami Area, Fla.; Washington D.C. (includes Baltimore); Chicago; Indianapolis; St. Louis; Dallas; Houston; Little Rock, Ark.; Bay Area, Calif. (includes Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Richmond and Emeryville); Las Vegas; Los Angeles; and Sacramento, Calif.
For more stroke information, visit powertoendstroke.org.
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About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
About 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
100 Black Men was founded as an organization in
will literally change the future for a young person. This change reverberates exponentially to our communities, our nation and the world.
Contact:
Elisa Ramirez-Johnson, (214) 706-1508
American Heart Association
Elisa.Ramirez-Johnson@heart.org
Erik Burton, (770) 294-8475
100 Black Men of American