Encouraging heart-healthy habits within the African American community

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, with African Americans facing an even higher risk. While cardiovascular disease mortality has steadily declined over the past decade, the prevalence of these conditions remains alarmingly high among Black Americans. They not only develop heart failure at an earlier age but also experience worse outcomes compared to their white counterparts.

Understanding the Disparity

Dr. Olujide Lawal, a cardiologist at Scotland Health, sheds light on the multifaceted reasons behind this disparity. “There are biological factors that make us more susceptible to cardiovascular disease compared to white adults,” he explains. “However, these biological challenges are compounded by socioeconomic factors—poverty, educational disparities, and limited access to quality healthcare.”

Addressing the Barriers

 

At Scotland Health, we recognize that effective communication is vital in overcoming these barriers. We are committed to enhancing health literacy and ensuring that existing resources are accessible and understood by the community.

Every three years, Scotland Health conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. This process is crucial for identifying the health needs of the community, including significant health priorities and barriers to care. The latest CHNA aligns with Dr. Lawal’s observations, highlighting obesity-related hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease as pressing health concerns in the communities we serve.

In response, we have implemented strategies to increase health literacy and facilitate access to care for those affected by these conditions. Initiatives include expanding free community screenings for A1C, lipid panels, blood pressure, and body mass index, as well as ensuring that individuals with abnormal results follow up with healthcare providers.

Dr. Lawal emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and awareness of risk factors. “A great deal of heart disease is environmental,” he states. “It’s about what we do to ourselves. Regular screenings, discussions with your doctor about diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle are crucial for prevention.”

Reaching Out to the Community

 

To effectively communicate these messages, Scotland Health is enhancing its outreach efforts through social media, radio, and print media, targeting those who need heart health education the most. A monthly Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) support group has also been established, with its February 2025 meeting drawing the largest turnout yet.

Internally, we are fostering a culture of health awareness among our staff through heart health observances and tobacco cessation programs. A special Black History Month program led by local storyteller Tyris Jones served as a reminder of the historical barriers that have impacted the African American community's access to quality healthcare.

Despite these efforts, many programs remain underutilized. The solution lies in taking information directly to the people. At a recent state-wide rural health event, keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Ricketts emphasized the need for healthcare leaders to engage directly with communities. “If you’re in your office, you’re not doing your job,” he asserted, urging a proactive approach to health education.

Scotland Health has embraced this challenge, offering off-site screenings, vaccinations, and free health events to meet patients where they are. Dr. Lawal advocates for this community-centered approach, particularly in the fight against heart disease. “Prevention is key,” he insists. “As a physician community, we need to do more. We must spread the gospel of primary prevention in the African American community.”

Building Bridges for a Healthier Future

 

To amplify our outreach, Scotland Health collaborates with various organizations, churches, and community leaders to develop new health education opportunities or to participate in existing ones. Our commitment to raising awareness within the African American community is evident through participation in events like the Kuumba Festival, the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Voices of Thunder event organized by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Additionally, we support local initiatives such as the Scotland Youth Development Black History Program and community service projects with Delta Sigma Theta.

As healthcare leaders step out of their offices and into the neighborhoods they serve, they pave the way for a healthier future for all. By building connections and dismantling barriers, Scotland Health is dedicated to improving heart health and fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context that shapes health disparities in the African American community.