The American Heart Association and Michigan Health Endowment Fund are joining forces to transform communities in West Michigan for better health outcomes. With a focus on key priorities such as blood pressure monitoring, nutrition security, eliminating tobacco use, reducing risk for women, and advancing health equity, this initiative aims to make a significant impact on the overall well-being of individuals in the region.
Collaborative Efforts for Healthier Communities
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in West Michigan, prompting the American Heart Association to take action. By partnering with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and various community stakeholders, the Association is working towards creating sustainable changes that will improve the health and hope of individuals across the region.
Through its community impact work, the American Heart Association is focusing on policies that bring about systemic and environmental changes to promote healthier lifestyles. By implementing interventions that target priority issues such as blood pressure management, nutrition security, tobacco cessation, women’s health, and health equity, the Association is striving to address the root causes of health disparities in the community.
Jana Siminski, the executive director for the American Heart Association in West Michigan, emphasizes the importance of this collaborative effort. She acknowledges the vital role played by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund in providing resources and support to community organizations, enabling them to enact meaningful changes that will benefit the neighborhoods they serve.
Projects Making a Difference
Thanks to the support of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the American Heart Association has been able to fund several projects that are currently underway in West Michigan. These projects focus on a range of initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and promoting healthier lifestyles among community members.
Corewell Health in Benton Harbor is leading two self-measured blood pressure monitoring projects and launching a multi-week healthy lifestyle educational program. Cherry Health is referring patients to the WISEWOMAN program, which targets low-income and uninsured women with interventions to promote healthy living. Health Net is placing a Community Health Worker at Streams to connect food-insecure patients with resources, while the Kalamazoo YWCA Resource Hub is updating its food security resources and assisting clients with nutrition-related resources.
Other projects include initiatives by Corewell Health and Bronson Healthcare to improve food pantry policies and expand access to fresh produce, as well as efforts by Baxter Community Center and Exalta Health to support food security and blood pressure monitoring programs.
Building Stronger Communities for Better Health
The American Heart Association’s commitment to transforming communities for better health is evident in the diverse range of projects funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. By focusing on key priorities such as blood pressure monitoring, nutrition security, tobacco cessation, women’s health, and health equity, the Association is working towards creating a healthier future for individuals in West Michigan.
Dr. Karen Kennedy, an American Heart Association volunteer, emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and research in saving lives and promoting better health outcomes. By providing community organizations with the necessary funding, knowledge, and resources, the Association is empowering them to enact meaningful changes that will have a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals in the region.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100-year history and looks towards its Second Century, the organization remains dedicated to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through collaboration with various organizations and the support of millions of volunteers, the Association continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share lifesaving resources to promote equitable health in all communities.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s impact in West Michigan and how you can get involved, visit www.heart.org/michigan. Join the movement towards building healthier communities and promoting better health outcomes for all individuals in the region.
