Vision, Mission and Goals
How You Can Help: Survey
The Portsmouth Healthy Hearts Initiative is a community-led group focused on improving heart health throughout the city of Portsmouth. We envision a future where the Portsmouth community enjoys optimal health and wellness, characterized by empowered residents who actively advocate and develop solutions for themselves and others.
To create a heart-healthy Portsmouth where every resident, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, has access to quality cardiovascular care, education, and resources, enabling them to live longer, healthier lives.
Mission
The Portsmouth Healthy Heart Initiative aims to reduce heart disease and improve cardiovascular health outcomes by establishing accessible Heart Health Hubs throughout the city. Through community engagement, education, prevention programs, and partnerships with healthcare providers, we will empower residents to take control of their heart health and enhance their overall well-being. We will also integrate stroke awareness, self-monitoring programs, and community walking clubs into our efforts to create a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.
Goals
- Expand Access to Cardiovascular Health Services
- Establish Heart Health Hubs in underserved areas such as Cavalier Manor and High Street, providing regular heart health screenings, preventive care, and health consultations.
- Collaborate with healthcare organizations and local government to ensure consistent, accessible heart health resources for all residents.
- Promote Heart-Healthy Lifestyles
- Launch Walking Clubs in the Cavalier Manor and High Street 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.
- 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 educational workshops, fitness programs, and nutrition counseling 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.
- Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Disparities
- Focus on addressing the social determinants of health by integrating resources for mental health, nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management in underserved communities like Cavalier Manor and the High Street area.
- Tailor programs to meet the unique needs of different populations across Portsmouth, including minority and low-income residents who are disproportionately affected by heart disease and stroke.
- 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 Portsmouth Healthy Heart Initiative.
- Measure and Improve Health Outcomes
- Implement a system to track community health data, including heart disease and stroke rates, hypertension, cholesterol levels, and participation in self-monitoring programs, 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.
Portsmouth Healthy Heart Hubs Coming Soon!
