During May, Women’s History Month, the American Heart Association, the leading global voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, will convene a nationwide panel of leaders and activists to discuss health-related issues that adversely impact women in communities of color. In collaboration with the Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, EmPOWERED to Serve™ will host an hour-long EmPOWERED Women Roundtable Series event: Disparities in Bystander CPR & Treatment for Opioid Misuse in Communities of Color, on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST. The livestreamed event is free and open to the public. Attendees can register at the EmPOWERED to Serve website.
Studies have shown significant disparities in bystander CPR rates and worse outcomes from cardiac arrest after overdose for people of color.1 This vital conversation aims to save lives by raising awareness and increasing the number of people trained in CPR in communities of color. Joining moderator Lydia T. Blanco, an award-winning journalist and media personality, will be
- Paula Blackwell, executive director of Central Maryland Area Health Education Center;
- Brandon Holt, minister, licensed chemical dependency counselor and author of the bestselling “Preaching Under the Influence”;
- Kathryn Cates-Wessel, CEO American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and American Heart Association volunteer; and
- Abigail Kohler, co-founder of ResusciTech and 2020 AHA EmPOWERED to Serve™ top finalist
“Women carry an enormous burden as the gatekeepers of wellness and wellbeing for their families,” said Paula Blackwell. “Vigilance in identifying and effectively addressing the mental and physical needs of minority women is the foundation for community health now and for generations to come. With the information and tools to make changes in their lives and to support those they care for, minority women are the fierce force for change and successful community health outcomes.”
Earlier this year, the American Heart Association announced plans to invest more than $230 million over the next four years to support targeted initiatives and programs, while leading additional efforts to drive systemic public health change focused on improving health equity and tackling issues of health justice and structural racism head on.
Additional Resources
- AHA President’s Advisory: Structural racism causes poor health, premature death from heart disease and stroke
- AHA 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal
- AHA Presidential Advisory on rural health inequities
- Voices for Healthy Kids: $2.5 million granted to 16 community organizations committed to racial health equity
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Tiffaney D. Hunter, 306106@email4pr.com, 214-775-0807 ext. 700
Kayla Tucker Adams, 306106@email4pr.com, 214-775-0807 ext. 702
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes — United States Surveillance Special Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published November 1, 2019. https://www. cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/ pubs/2019-cdc-drug-surveillance-report.pdf.
SOURCE American Heart Association
