COVID-19 has exacerbated systemic challenges that contribute to inequitable health outcomes in Philadelphia. During these difficult times, the American Heart Association continues its efforts to improve access to healthy foods and quality clinical care for Philadelphia residents as part of an overall strategy to address social influencers of health.
Through partnerships with local organizations, the American Heart Association Philadelphia activated its mission through the following efforts:
- Contributed 20 freezers to food pantries, enabling the distribution of 12,000 meals per month across the city by collaborating with Caring for Friends;
- Transporting 2,400 pounds of food to a local shelter with the help of Philly Food Rescue;
- Working with Sanctuary Farm to provide free produce for residents in North Philadelphia;
- Partnering with Food Connect to distribute healthy meals to those who have been deeply impacted by COVID-19
- Providing high-risk patients with home health kits; and
- Providing public information on secondary stroke prevention, including the warning signs and importance of calling 9-1-1 during the pandemic for emergency care
For companies looking to support their employees, the AHA Philadelphia is providing:
- Free health and wellness resources
- Workplace Wellness portal with tools to help companies build and maximize an effective culture of health
The AHA is continually learning how COVID-19 interacts with heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions via research. One example is through a newly launched COVID-19 registry designed to capture multiple data points on how heart patients with the virus are impacted.
Please reach out to Jennifer Litchman-Green at Jennifer.Litchman-Green@heart.org with questions or for information about getting involved in these efforts.