Every person deserves the opportunity for a full and healthy life. But this is not the reality for many people of color and others whose health suffers because of social factors beyond their control. Poverty, income disparities, food insecurity and the lack of healthy housing have significant implications for health risk and the ability to access quality health care.
In response, a four-year collaboration between the nation’s leading health organizations—the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association —was launched in 2022, with the goal of catalyzing change and addressing the leading causes of death in communities of color—heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
The collaboration focuses on three key areas: education and capacity-building for health systems, partners and patients; increasing access to health screenings and preventive care; and advocating for policies that ensure fair opportunities and resources with state and local leaders. Powered by Bank of America, with the University of Michigan School of Public Health measuring impact, the initiative is currently operating in 11 cities, including Atlanta.
In Atlanta, the collaboration supports community-based organizations like Boat People SOS (BPSOS) with technical assistance and funding to implement three health interventions addressing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Atlanta is a local affiliate of an international Vietnamese American non-profit organization who provides social services and assistance whose purpose is to empower, organize, and equip individuals in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. BPSOS Atlanta was found in early 2000 to provides education and direct assistance to immigrant families and low-income families in GA and surrounding states.
BPSOS Atlanta has programs and services that range from health awareness and promotion, social services, domestic violence victim assistance, immigration services, income tax assistance, occupational health training, senior service programs, civic engagement, and youth education assistance programs.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission at BPSOS Atlanta to empower and uplift underserved communities,” said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, executive director of BPSOS Atlanta. “Collaborating with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and Bank of America allows us to tackle health disparities together and bring meaningful change to the people we serve.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Atlanta, with the city experiencing higher rates of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and stroke than the national average. The American Heart Association has been selected to spearhead this initiative locally through the Collaboration, aiming to create a lasting impact and foster a healthier future for Atlanta residents.
“This initiative is about creating lasting impact,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director of the American Heart Association, Metro Atlanta. “By working with community-based organizations like BPSOS Atlanta, we’re able to meet individuals where they are and offer tailored solutions that address their most pressing health concerns.”
For more information about the Collaboration for Equitable Health, visit https://collaborationforequitablehealth.org/.
This is sponsored content.
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