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 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. Read about our focus areas and impact goals.

Business Accelerator

Ali Simeto, along with a group of judges and representatives, is holding a big check from the American Heart Association showing his 1st place win at the ETS Maryland Black Farmers Business Accelerator finale.

Empowering social and health tech entrepreneurs through training and funding. Are you the next big founder?

Learn About the Accelerator

Health Lessons

19 science-based toolkits covering topics such as CPR, spotting a stroke, controlling cholesterol and more.

Access Our Health Lessons

AHA Scholars

American Heart Association Scholars Program visual shows a smartphone with a photo of EmPOWERED Scholar Perisa Ashar from Duke University

Together, it’s about our future. Become a change agent.

EmPOWERED Scholars

Empowering Headlines

News, stories and videos that impact your well-being.
Read more Health Equity Headlines

Impact in the Heart of the Community

 
The 2024 Impact With Heart celebrated community trailblazers at the 2nd annual awards ceremony that recognizes changemakers committed to achieving equitable health for all.

The American Heart Association salutes this year’s awardees, Andrew Suggs, Damar Hamlin, and Ashley Williams for the advances made possible through their entrepreneurship and voices.

Watch the Event Recap
From left to right: Damar Hamlin, Ashley Williams and Andrew Suggs holding their Impact With Heart awards in front of a step and repeat background.
Damar Hamlin, Ashley Williams and Andrew Suggs (Wjj Photography)
A Baltimore Delta Sigma Theta sorority member is practicing chest compressions on a CPR dummy inside a retail store.

Did you know that Black Americans who have a cardiac incident are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander?

The Baltimore City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is on a mission to make a change by supporting the American Heart Association. The sorority hosted a heart health fair to train individuals over age 9 how to perform Hands-Only CPR. The Association is grateful to this tremendous organization for its support during American Heart Month and Black History Month.
head shot of Sybil Wilkes, a Black woman smiling and wearing a black top and a silver necklace

Check In & Check Up for Your Health with Sybil Wilkes

Don’t miss this!
Host Sybil Wilkes calls on community partners to inform and empower Black Americans for better health. Watch past shows, or tune in to her livestream.
Tune in
Katrina McGhee and Lili Gil Valletta

Live Fierce / Atrévete a Vivir Podcasts

Science meets self-care. This fun and dynamic series features podcasts hosted by American Heart Association Executive VP of Marketing and Communications Katrina McGhee—who is also a longtime professional coach—and Lili Gil Valletta, co-founder and CEO of the cultural intelligence firms CIEN + and Culturintel.
Listen and Subscribe

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.
Read the full report (PDF) Read about the report
group of diverse people in a work environment posing for photo while smiling

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.

  • Dr. Michelle Albert, Black History Month 2022| Meet Dr. Michelle Albert, President-Elect 2021/2022 of the American Heart Association as she shares her commitment to Black History Month and to her profession which aligns closely with the mission of the American Heart Association.

    Feb 8, 2022

  • Black Men’s Health – Perspectives of Black Culture Icons | Structural racism has a devastating impact on the health of men of color – specifically mental and cardiovascular health. Jawn Murray, Damion Hall, Mathew Knowles, Trymaine Lee, Mel Gravely discuss how creating more accessible, equitable solutions for people of color across the country.

    Nov 18, 2021

  • 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