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Reflecting on our journey. Crafting our future.
From educational workshops to support groups, we have fostered a sense of community and empowerment for individuals navigating the challenges of heart disease
None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of our board of directors, donors, volunteers, and partners Your generosity and commitment have fueled our efforts and enabled us to make a meaningful difference in the fight against heart disease As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting heart health and raising awareness for disease prevention in young girls across our nation With your continued support, I am confident that we will continue to drive positive change and improve outcomes for generations to come
Thank you for your unwavering support
Warm regards,
President&CEO,HeartNHands
Dear friends and supporters, I am honored to present our annual report for Heart N Hands Over the past year, our organization has achieved significant milestones and made a tangible impact on the lives of young girls and young women affected by heart disease Through our dedicated efforts, we have raised awareness about the importance of heart health among girls and young women, advocating for greater access to education, prevention, and treatment
We have collaborated with healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to advance the understanding and management of heart disease in this population. Our outreach initiatives have reached thousands of individuals, providing crucial information and resources to support those affected by heart disease and their families. Please visit heartnhands.org to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.
Founded in 2014, Heart N Hands is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana dedicated to educating girls aged 10-18 about heart health and heart disease prevention. With chapters in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Nashville, our mission is to empower girls with knowledge and resources to make informed lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of heart disease for generations to come.
According to the Center for Disease Control and World Heart Federation, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. However, women with this disease continue to be under-diagnosed and undertreated due to misconceptions and lack of awareness among both healthcare practitioners and the general public
The fact that women continue to be under-represented in clinical trials is one of the reasons why there is insufficient awareness among female patients andtheirdoctors.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 35% of deaths in women each year – more than ALL cancers combined and is affecting women of any age. This is primarily the result of various misconceptions, including the widespread view that cardiovascular disease affects men more than it does women.
Some heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those in men, which leads to women being more frequently misdiagnosed, or their symptoms dismissed as anxiety-related Because women’s heart attack symptoms can differ from men's, women might be diagnosed less often with heart disease At Heart N Hands, we understand and emphasize that knowing your symptoms is the first step to beating cardiovascular disease!
FACT: Chest pain is the primary heart attack symptom But, women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain than men.
MYTH: Heart attack symptoms are identical for men and women
Highbloodpressure,thetopriskfactor forheartdisease,wasresponsiblefor nearly700,000deathsintheUnited Statesin2021.Priortothatyear,thetotal costofhighbloodpressureintheUnited Stateswas$51.1billion.Inthenextdecade, itisprojectedthatdirectmedicalcostsof thisheartdiseaseriskfactoralonecould reachasmuchas$154billion.Itistime now,morethanever,tocombatthishighly prevalentandcostlydisease,andthatis whereHeartNHandscomesin
At Heart N Hands, we EMPOWER&MOTIVATE younggirlstotaketheirheartintotheirownhands by providing health information and educational tools that support the fight against heart disease.
Heartdiseaseremains thenumberonekillerof womenintheUnitedStates,with over60million livesaffected by its devastating consequences. For the last nine years, Heart N Hands has recognized the urgent need for proactive education and prevention efforts to combat this highlypreventableepidemic.
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Education: 80% of heart disease risk factors are preventable. We aim to provide accessible and comprehensive education on these risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures to young girls of all economic statuses and backgrounds
Prevention: Through community outreach programs, workshops, and online resources, we seek to empower girls to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles - including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management.
Support: We offer support networks and resources for girls and families affected by heart disease, including access to counseling, support groups, and informational materials.
7,500+ 5,000+
Girls and their families reached with our educational programs and support services, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to lead heart-healthy lives.
Board, Volunteer and Staff hours to date
300+
Girls trained in hands-only CPR in partnership with American Heart Association New Orleans
80%
Eighty percent of heart disease risk factors are PREVENTABLE.
2X
Women are twice as llikely to DIE from heart disease than cancer
The Bogalusa Heart Study establishes that signs of adult cardiovasuclar disease begin in childhood
KyaMoller,MBA
SherryGreen
HeartNHands’"LoveYourHeartWellnessProgram"isourcomprehensive,flagshipinitiativedesignedtopromoteholistic wellnessandempowergirlstoprioritizetheirhearthealth.Thisprogramrecognizestheuniquechallengesand opportunitiesinaddressinghearthealthamonggirlsandaimstofosteracultureofself-care,confidence,andresilience.
The “Love Your Heart Wellness Program” incorporates fun and engaging physical activities into its curriculum, encouraging girls to discover enjoyable ways to stay active. From dance classes to outdoor adventures, participants learn that exercise can be both enjoyable and essential for maintaining heart health
Girls receive guidance on making healthy food choices and understanding the nutritional value of different foods Cooking demonstrations, meal planning tips, and discussions about mindful eating habits empower participants to develop a positive relationship with food and fuel their bodies for optimal health
Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and mentorship opportunities, participants are empowered to take ownership of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being The program emphasizes self-esteem building, positive body image, and healthy relationships as integral components of wellness
The “Love Your Heart Wellness Program” addresses the connection between emotional well-being and heart health, providing strategies for managing stress, coping with challenges, and cultivating resilience. Girls learn relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and effective communication skills to support their mental and emotional wellness
Our mission to combat heart disease is amplified through our national chapters strategically located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Nashville. In Houston, our chapter partners with local health organizations and advocates to raise awareness about heart disease prevention and provide support to young girls in the community and their families. In Dallas, our presence will be felt through educational programs and community events aimed at promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and facilitating access to resources for those in need.
Austin serves as a vital hub for our efforts, leveraging partnerships with educational institutions and community leaders to implement impactful initiatives addressing heart disease disparities and improving female cardiovascular health outcomes. In Atlanta, our chapter focuses on outreach initiatives targeting underserved communities and advocating for policies that promote heart health equity. Meanwhile, in Nashville, our chapter has partnered with renowned healthcare institutions and local stakeholders to drive research efforts and innovative interventions in the fight against heart disease. Across these locations, we work tirelessly to advance our mission, saving lives and making a lasting impact in the fight against the number one killer of women
Atlanta
We are committed to maximizing the impact of every donation we receive and ensuring transparency in how funds are utilized. Continued support enables us to carry on our vital work in preventing heart disease and improving outcomes for girls everywhere. For nearly 10 years, Heart N Hands has earned the trust of our donors as good stewards of their support, who will put their gifts to the best possible use.
Here’s how our contributions are allocated and make a difference.
As we reflect on our achievements, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support and dedication of our communities. Together, we have made remarkable strides in the fight against heart disease, touching the lives of countless young girls and their families.Thank you for being part of our journey and for your unwavering commitment to heart health. Together, we are making a difference, one heart at a time.
Looking forward, we are energized by the opportunities ahead and remain committed to our mission of promoting cardiovascular wellness and heart disease prevention in young girls. With your continued support, we will build upon our successes, expand our impact, and work tirelessly to create a future where heart disease is no longer a threat.
Join us in the fight against heart disease! At Heart N Hands, we invite you to join our mission to combat heart disease and promote cardiovascular wellness for young girls in the community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls potentially affected by this pervasive health condition.
VOLUNTEER: Become a vital part of our team by volunteering your time and skills to support our programs, events, and initiatives Whether you're passionate about community outreach, fundraising, or advocacy, there's a place for you at Heart N Hands.
DONATE: Your generous contributions enable us to fund critical research, provide essential resources, and expand our reach to those in need Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the fight against heart disease.
ADVOCATE: Raise awareness and drive change by advocating for heart-healthy policies and initiatives in your community. Whether it's promoting tobacco control measures, advocating for healthier food options, or supporting access to preventive care, your advocacy efforts can save lives
PARTNERSHIP: Partner with us to amplify our impact and reach new audiences Whether you represent a corporation, healthcare organization, or community group, we welcome collaborations that advance our shared goals of promoting heart health and preventing heart disease
