Get Involved, Get Healthy...  

Achieving a culture of health requires us to broaden the understanding that good health is far more than the absence of illness; where we work, where we live, what we eat, and where our children play and go to school fundamentally affect our ability to lead healthy lives. Each year, the American Heart Association relies on people just like you to help us in building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. You can make a difference in building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in your own community!  There are many ways you can become involved with the American Heart Association, such as:

Empowered To Serve Online Community

Our new Empowered To Serve initiative is working with partners, both individuals and organizations to changing the environment in which we live so that the default choice is the healthy choice for all.

The online community is a place for diverse individuals and organizations to unite in order  to create a sustainable culture of health within our communities. We can take steps individually to improve our own health and by working together we can improve community environments to make healthy living an accessible, affordable option for everyone. Click the link below, for more information and to join the Empowered To Serve - Overland Park Network here:

Overland Park Network - American Heart Association

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Patient Support Network

Join our support Group for Stroke and Heart Patients and Caregivers.  Improve your life and the lives of others when you join the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Support Network. Share  your experiences, give and get emotional support. If you are the caregiver, there are others just like you who can help.  Click the link below, for more information and to join the Patient Support Network community:

http://supportnetwork.heart.org/home

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2016 Kansas City Heart & Stroke Walk

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans? In fact, someone dies from CVD every 39 seconds! Heart disease also kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.  And congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.  Join the Multicultural Initiatives  team or join as an individual - whatever you choose, you can make a difference in people’s lives – including your own!  Click the link below, for more information and to join the Multicultural Initiatives Team at the 2016 Kansas City Heart & Stroke Walk:

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/kansascity/mci

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You're The Cure Network

When it comes to fighting heart disease and stroke, you’re the cure! Join our nationwide movement in support of healthier communities and healthier lives.  Heart disease and stroke are our nation’s top killers, but you can help stop them. You’re the Cure is the American Heart Association’s network of people who advocate for policies that support a heart disease and stroke-free America.  Click the link below, for more information and to join You're The Cure Network:

https://yourethecure.org/aha/advocacy/register.aspx

The Kansas City Grocery Access Task Force, convened by KC Healthy Kids, is proposing the creation of a Fresh Food Financing Fund that would improve grocery access on both sides of the state line. The fund would offer financial tools the grocers need to overcome obstacles to operating in food deserts.  But funding alone cannot solve the problem.  Community engagement is key.  It can happen through schools, churches and neighborhood and community groups like yours.

Now it’s time for YOU to speak out!  When you support grocery store renovation and development, you are giving traction to a virtuous cycle that can help more families put affordable, fresh food on their tables.  Click the link below, show your support for the Fresh Food Financing Fund:

http://www.kchealthykids.org/i-support-fresh-food-financing/

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My Life Check Health Assessment

My Life Check® was designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life.  Click the link below, to take the My Life Check Assessment:

https://www.health-eheartstudy.org/ets/aka-midwestern

If you would like to learn more about how to get involved please contact Kechia Smith, Regional Multicultural Initiatives Director at (913) 652-1930 or email Tru-Kechia.Smith@heart.org and/or Dionda Gatling, Administrative Coordinator at (314) 692-5639 or Dionda.Gatling@heart.org.