Austin EmPOWERED to Serve
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.
The Need
Under-resourced communities often face higher risks for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems because of social determinants such as limited access to affordable and safe housing, healthy food and quality health care. These factors also impact the economic stability of a community. 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. The Austin American Heart Association and community partner, Live Oak, will be creating a new platform rooted in service called EmPOWERED to Serve, where Ambassadors will be:- tackling barriers to health care access and nutritious foods
- advocating for people living in under-resourced communities, and
- developing programs and resources that will have a lasting impact on these communities.
EmPOWERED to Serve Austin Ambassador Volunteer Opportunities
The American Heart Association and AMEN are working together to create an effective plan to disseminate information about high blood pressure to increase awareness in underserved communities. The AHA supplied AMEN with 100 validated blood pressure monitors to provide ongoing high blood pressure self-management support for the 1200 members at Mt. Zion Baptist and Rehoboth Baptist Churches and surrounding community. In addition, sixty community members will be enrolled into a culturally tailored, technology-based, mobile health research study to test innovative ways to support and sustain blood pressure self-management.
The ultimate goal is to expand this initiative into additional churches and community organizations. Through the implementation of this initiative, we will be driving heart health awareness, education, and control within the underserved areas of Austin and we need YOUR help to make it a success. Therefore, below is a list of exciting volunteer opportunities happening across Austin.
EmPOWERING headlines
News, stories and videos that impact your well-being.
Read more Health Equity Headlines Health Equity in the Workplace
The American Heart Association’s CEO Roundtable is working to eliminate workplace inequities that harm the health and well-being of employees, businesses and communities. The Roundtable’s new report, developed by business leaders and health experts, provides actionable strategies and principles employers can use to build toward health equity.
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
Social Determinants of Health Policy and Position Statements: Housing
Empowered to Serve Austin is Sponsored by
Live Oak, Real Estate Development, Brokerage & Services
