IN THE COMMUNITY

In The Community

The American Heart Association has designated outreach and education to minority populations as a top priority. African-Americans, Hispanic and Latino communities comprise more than 26% of the US population, 54% in Texas. Long referred to as "minority" populations, now these groups are often referred to as the "emerging majority" given their significant presence in many areas of the country.

The goal of the AHA Cultural Health Initiatives department is to increase knowledge and encourage behavior changes through continual effort via community channels and trusted sources. The American Heart Association has found the traditional one-touch approach (health fairs, seminars, walks, etc.) is less effective if conducted alone. Long-term behavior change requires long-term sustainable programs and multiple exposures of key messages through a multitude of mediums.

The Austin Hispanic Outreach Task Force (HOTF) is an integral part of this strategy. The HOTF is a volunteer group responsible for supporting local divisions of the American Heart Association in its efforts to reach the Hispanic communities with life saving cardiovascular and stroke risk recognition, risk reduction and risk avoidance programs in the areas of public education, communication, public policy, fundraising, and patient and professional education.

Major Responsibilities of task force members include:

• Provide leadership and guidance for community outreach strategy
• Assist with the implementation and management of the faith/community-based education program Conozca Su Corazón
• Identify and define effective channels for dissemination of priority programs such as Go Red for Women, START and Alliance for a Healthy Generation
• Assist with the planning and implementation of special community outreach events such as Vestido Rojo, Go Red Sunday and Festival Hispano de la Salud
• Assist with health disparity policy development and advocacy
  
  

To get involved or for more information download an application or contact Larissa De Luna.