EmPOWERED to Serve™

Structural racism is the overarching system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms perpetuate racial inequity.

Learn how we are addressing these challenges through our initiatives.
Woman Getting Vaccinated

EmPOWERED Women Roundtable Series

CPR and Opioid Use in Communities of Color

In honor of Women’s History Month, the American Heart Association hosted the EmPOWERED Women CPR and Opioid Use in Communities of Color roundtable on March 30 at 7 p.m. CDT.

The livestream event focused on CPR, as studies have shown significant disparities in bystander CPR rates for people of color and women, as well as opioid misuse among women of color.

Watch the roundtable

Building Mental Resilience for Women of Color in the Midst of COVID-19

As a part of National Minority Health Month, the American Heart Association will host a panel to discuss how racism, cultural stereotypes, economic insecurity, stigma and shame all impact the mental health of women of color.

This discussion on April 20 at 7 p.m. CDT. will focus on how they suffer disproportionately from adverse life experiences that can lead to depression, anxiety disorders and toxic levels of chronic stress.

Register now

Maternal Health Mortality & Why Gaps Exist

In recognition of Hypertension Education Month and Mother’s Day, the American Heart Association will host a roundtable to address maternal health inequities on May 11 at 7 p.m. CDT.

The event will focus on racial disparities in heart-related problems among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, with Black women having the highest risk of several serious complications.

Register now

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.

Learn more about our focus areas and impact goals.
Poor Infrastructure

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.
Learn more about how you can take an active role in your community.

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.

Learn more about the application process.

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.
Learn how they are creating stronger communities by improving health equity and social justice.

Community Education

Our tools  support you as you journey toward improving your health and the health of those in your community.
Get EmPowered to Serve Health Lessons, toolkits, videos and more.
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EmPOWERING headlines

News, stories and videos that impact your well-being.

Read more Health Equity Headlines

Committing to equity and a full, healthy life for everyone

The American Heart Association is investing over $230 million in a sweeping effort to ensure equitable health for all. Through research, community solutions and other substantial work, the AHA is addressing barriers to health equity including structural racism, social factors that hurt people’s health and threats to rural health.

Read about the AHA’s commitment to health equity
Patient and doctor talking

Scientific Statements  and  Joint Resolutions

Social Determinants of Health Policy and Position Statements: Housing

Watch 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.

  • Community Transformation Roundtable | Renowned business leaders, community leaders, philanthropists and volunteers engage in a lively, meaningful discussion about transforming communities and removing health barriers through faith, finance and business.
     

    Nov 12, 2020

  • Health Justice Roundtable | Scholars from our EmPOWERED to Serve and HBCU Scholars program engage in a  lively, meaningful conversation about breaking down barriers to health, structural racism and how to make the world better.

    Nov 11, 2020

  • Transforming communities through faith finance and business | Join the continued conversation on community transformation, prioritizing investments in under-resourced communities.

    Nov 17, 2020

  • 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.

    Jul 1, 2020

  • 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.

    Apr 20, 2020