Empowered to Serve™ EmPOWERED to Serve™
Structural racism is the overarching system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms perpetuate racial inequity.
What does the life – and senseless deaths – of Black men and women mean for the health of Black Americans?
"Our hearts are with Jacob Blake, his family and our Kenosha community. The ongoing, systemic inequalities that affect the lived experience and health of African Americans have created an epidemic. Like any illness that spreads through a people, the impact is felt far beyond any single incident involving any single individual. This continues to be the reality we face as we try to process the latest senseless violence."Save the Dates Nov. 11 and Nov. 12
For two powerful livestreamed events hosted by EmPOWERED to Serve™
Health Justice
Roundtable
Livestreamed Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5:30 p.m. CDT
This roundtable discussion, led by scholars from our EmPOWERED to Serve and HBCU Scholars programs, will engage in a lively, meaningful conversation about breaking down barriers to address structural racism in education and its effect on public health.
Community Transformation Roundtable
Livestreamed Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. CDT
Award-winning journalist Roland Martin will convene business and community leaders, philanthropists and volunteers for a lively, meaningful conversation about transforming our communities through faith, finance and business.
Moderator
- Roland Martin, Host and Managing editor, #RolandMartinUnfiltered
Panelists
- Amy Dubois Barnett, EVP and GM, Black Entertainment Television (BET)
- Mathew Knowles, CEO and Founder, Music World Entertainment Corporation
- Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Wes Moore, CEO, Robin Hood
- Warren Thompson, President and Chairman of the Board, Thompson Hospitality
- Jacqueline Waggoner, President, Solutions Division, Enterprise Community Partners
2020 2021 National EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator
Now more than ever, we are determined to eliminate racial and class disparities by redoubling our commitment to overcoming barriers to health, and to addressing social inequities.
Learn more about the 2021 Business Accelerator and candidates.
Stories of the Relentless: Relentless Cities
Relentless Cities is a series of powerful stories and conversations documenting a community’s dedicated pursuit of health in the face of COVID- 19, racial injustice, system limitations and health inequities – all being met by an unyielding spirit of resilience. We begin with a three-part series in New York City.
About EmPOWERED to Serve
EmPOWERED to Serve is a platform inspired by American Heart Association volunteers around the country who are passionate about driving change through health justice and empowerment in their communities.
Communities need localized solutions that will help individuals and families escalate beyond poverty and achieve improved life outcomes. No one knows the changes needed in a community as well as the members themselves.
Ambassador Program
If you’re an activist, community leader, healthcare professional, young professional or social entrepreneur who’s helping lead the way through community-centered and culturally relevant solutions then we invite you to become an EmPOWERED to Serve Ambassador.
Business Accelerator?
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator works with social entrepreneurs and organizations improving social determinants of health in their community, which are health risk factors, especially for underserved populations. Social determinants include, but are not limited to, race bias, income, education, stress, pollution, housing availability, transportation and access to healthy foods.
This MBA-style business training program offers virtual education for all finalists and grant funding.
Topics for business accelerator program applications include (but are not limited to):
- Food access
- Employment
- Affordable housing
The application window is open until Aug. 31, 2020.
EmPOWERED and Well
Your Health is Grounded in Faith. Our Approach is Grounded in Science.
The Healthier Church Challenge empowered people to improve their health in harmony with their faith. Churches in Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. participated.
The 12-week pilot program, which kicked off in February 2020, included science-based health education and coaching, weekly health and wellness sessions, and stipends to support the churches’ health ministries.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Healthier Church Challenge transitioned to live health lessons hosted via Zoom. The final lesson took place May 30. The 12 health lessons were recreated in Adobe Connect Learning environments for future participating churches.
Meet the 2020 EmPOWERED Scholars
The 2020 EmPOWERED to Serve Scholars are agents of change within their communities. These college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors each receive $10,000 to bring their visionary ideas to life, helping ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.
Community Education
Our tools support you as you journey toward improving your health and the health of those in your community.
Scientific Statements and Joint Resolutions
- What does the life – and death – of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery mean for the health of Blacks in America?
- Joint statement on health equity, social justice and civil unrest from the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology
- COVID-19 has unmasked significant health disparities in the U.S.; essay on behalf of the Association of Black Cardiologists suggests solutions
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Housing conditions affect cardiovascular health risks
American Heart Association Scientific Statement - New Trump administration rule is a major setback for health equity
Social Determinants of Health Policy and Position Statements: Housing
COVID 19 News Room Resources
The latest COVID-19 news, information, experts and multimedia resources from the American Heart Association.
EmPOWERING headlines
News, stories and videos that impact your well-being.
Read more Health Equity HeadlinesWatch EmPOWERED to Serve in Action
Videos that reflect the powerful impact EmPOWERED to Serve has in the community.
Stories that transform the world in which we live.-
Second Empowered and Well Virtual Town Hall | Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Dr. Jennifer Ellis, Pastor Sonjia Dickerson and Pastor Hosea Collins convened to continue the conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on our communities and what we can do to advocate for healthier, more equitable policies.
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Inaugural Virtual Faith Community Town Hall meeting with Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA’s chief medical officer for prevention, and Pastor Sonjia B. Dickerson of Dayspring Family Church in Dallas.
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Tamela Mann Talks Health Journey as heard on Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
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Watch highlights of the 2019 business accelerator candidates and their business solutions for health equity, social justice and longer, healthier, more productive lives.
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Listen to Jeremy Goss speaking about The Link Market, which addresses food insecurity and transportation barriers by providing affordable groceries at metro stations.
AHA Events in Your Area
Get involved. Join the movement.
- There are no upcoming events. Please see the event below.
- Find volunteer opportunities
- There are no upcoming events. Please see the event below.
- Find volunteer opportunities
Sign up to receive the EmPOWERED to Serve e-newsletter.
EmPOWERED to Serve seeks to improve health outcomes and reduce the gap in health disparities among minorities in multicultural communities.
If you are interested learning more about our work in community activism, community health education, and social justice for historically under-resourced communities, we invite you to sign up for the EmPOWERED to Serve e-newsletter.