Greater Boston churchgoers are getting a boost to their health thanks to a new initiative from the American Heart Association called “Have Faith in Heart.” The Association is working with local religious leaders to provide worshippers and members of the community with tools and knowledge to improve their cardiovascular health.
Watch as Stephanie Voltaire, the American Heart Association’s community impact director for Greater Boston, shares insights on this effort:
With the support of a generous grant from UnitedHealthcare, the American Heart Association is launching the program with Abundant Life Church in Cambridge, Greater Love Tabernacle and Église De Dieu De La Pentecôte Libre in Dorchester, and Greater Framingham Community Church in Framingham. This collaboration aims to empower the community by providing essential health resources, including:
- Blood Pressure Screenings and Education: Regular screenings will be available, along with educational materials to help individuals understand their blood pressure readings and manage their health effectively.
- Hands-Only CPR and AED Training: Church leaders will receive training in hands-only CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), equipping them with life-saving skills they can share with their congregations.
- Funding for AEDs and CPR Kits: We’re providing the necessary funding to equip these churches with AEDs and CPR kits, ensuring that help is readily available in case of emergencies.
- Educational Resources: Participants will receive educational materials and blood pressure monitors to promote ongoing awareness and management of heart health.
The program’s collective goal is to engage 1,000 individuals each month.