Tallahassee area churches work together to improve health
Local churches from Gadsden and Leon counties have formed the Health for Hearts United Collaborative to work on improving the health of local populations, with a focus on reducing risk of heart disease and strokes which continue to be the leading causes of death locally and nationally.
In total, 46 churches are involved in the Collaborative in partnership with Florida State University. Over 50 representatives gathered recently for an annual Leadership Institute to hear speakers and discuss how they can pivot towards healthier lives physically, mentally and spiritually.
The churches celebrated faith-based health at the event, sponsored by Health for Hearts United. Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Quincy, under the leadership of Pastor Terrence Milton, was recognized for completing a three-phase program that provides entry into the Initiative.
Once the program is completed, churches work on sustaining health programming to promote overall health and to reduce cardiovascular risk and other diseases in their congregations. The program is now affectionately called “Healthy Hearts” by the participating churches.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. However, among certain populations — such as African-Americans —there are higher rates compared to other groups. This health disparity in CVD, which includes strokes and heart disease, is a particular problem in North Florida which has some of the highest rates in the state.
To address this problem and other health issues, the Health for Hearts United Leadership Institute, focused on the theme, “The Reset: Pivoting to Healthier Lives Physically, Mentally & Spiritually.”
Key messages in Healthy Hearts are eat better, move around more, reduce stress and take charge of your health. Reducing stress is integrated into these messages.
For more information about the Health for Hearts United Collaborative, contact Penny Ralston at pralston@fsu.edu.