Norfolk – Healthy Hearts Initiative

The Norfolk Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative is owned and managed by community members. The Virginia Department of Health, as a core partner, provides ongoing support including state and local public health collaboration, chronic disease prevention program training and resources, chronic disease data, leadership and advocacy training, funding opportunities, survey and newsletter design, and webpage maintenance.

Vision: To become a Healthy Heart City. Rebuilding our villages one resource at a time.

Mission: The Norfolk Healthy Heart Initiative is committed to reducing heart disease and improve cardiovascular health outcomes by establishing accessible Heart Health Hubs throughout the city. Through community engagement, education, workshops, prevention programs, and partnerships, we will empower residents to take control of their heart health and enhance their overall well-being. We will also integrate financial education and opportunities, community research and development, stroke awareness, FOOD IS MEDICINE, Healthy Heart Ambassador blood pressure self-monitoring program, and neighborhood wellness projects within the city.

Goals:

Expand Access to Care
- Establish tiered Heart Health Hubs in and throughout the city of Norfolk, providing regular non-clinical consultations, preventive care, and transition of care.
- Collaborate with small businesses, healthcare organizations and local government to ensure consistent, accessible tailored resources for all residents.
Promote Heart-Healthy Lifestyles
- Launch Walking Clubs in the neighboring areas to encourage physical activity and foster community involvement in maintaining heart health. These clubs will be a core feature of the initiative, promoting regular physical exercise and accessible resources.
- Implement Healthy Heart Self-Monitoring Programs, which will provide residents with tools such as blood pressure monitors, education on self-assessment, and tracking systems to encourage proactive heart health management.
- Offer financial opportunities and workshops, fitness programs including but not limited to gym vouchers, boxing vouchers, personal trainer vouchers, and nutrition counseling and opportunities aimed at reducing risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking.
Increase Stroke Education and Awareness
- Provide targeted stroke education in communities, teaching residents how to recognize stroke symptoms early, respond effectively, and understand risk factors.
- Partner with healthcare professionals to offer stroke prevention workshops, ensuring community members are equipped with the knowledge to reduce stroke risks alongside heart disease.
Food is Medicine
- Focus on addressing the social needs of the community by integrating resources for mental health, nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management in communities throughout Norfolk.
- Tailor Food programs to meet the unique needs of different populations across Norfolk, including low-income residents who are disproportionately affected because the lack of resources.
Build Sustainable Community Partnerships
- Partner with public and private entities, including healthcare providers, local businesses, and non-profits, to create a robust network of support for the initiative.
- Secure funding and resources through grants, donations, and sponsorships to ensure the longevity and impact of the Norfolk Healthy Heart Initiative.
Measure and Improve Health Outcomes
- Through Community Research and Development, we will track community health data, including but not limited to social needs and solutions, heart disease and stroke rates, hypertension, cholesterol levels, and participation in self-monitoring programs and initiative projects to measure the impact of the initiative.
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, making data-driven adjustments to improve health outcomes over time.