Roanoke – Healthy Hearts Initiative

The Roanoke 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.

Mission: Our mission is to empower the Roanoke community to address heart health disparities by promoting self-care, trust, and integrity.

Vision: We envision a future where the Roanoke community enjoys optimal health and wellness, characterized by empowered residents who actively advocate and develop solutions for themselves and others.

A project with One Valley, Inc., Hunt Manor Apartments, and Faith Ministries to provide free or low-cost fruits and vegetables and education on how to prepare them
A project with 727 Kombat Fitness Hub to offer exercise classes (like beginner boxing) for seniors
Healthy Hearts Hubs at Hill Street Baptist Church and Mt. Zion AME Church
A partnership with The Stress Factory, LLC to provide stress relief and breathing exercises within the census tract
Collaboration with Melrose Plaza, Goodwill Industries of the Valley, and Hunt Manor Apartments to provide bus passes to access the grocery store, bank, adult education, exercise opportunities, and more
Healthy Hearts Tables at New Horizons Healthcare and Annwil Grocery

Words from our members:

“The VDH Healthy Heart Initiative is "thee oasis" in a Northwest desert! Providing and arming active community members with autonomy, solution-oriented resources, and funding to address a list of unmet needs in the NW community.

For years, residents of central NW have had to learn how to navigate outside of our community due to the lack of access to grocery stores, health clinics, an operable pharmacy and other basic necessities. Now with the help of VDH and its “community centered and led” initiative, needs will finally be met, residents will be empowered, and urgent work will begin.” -Ms. Marion Ware

“Part of our resilience is our ability to think for the greater good and work together” -Ms. Amazetta Anderson

“This is the time of us.” -Anonymous

“We are rooted in integrity.” -Ms. Brenda Petty

“This group brings me happiness and gives me people to talk to when I feel depressed. We’ve created life bonds that can’t be broken. Before the group I was shy and nervous, but now I’ve opened up and made so many new friends. I aspire to make the most of the LC and its opportunities. Being a part of it gets me out and I look forward to every meeting with enthusiasm and appreciation!” - Pamela DeHaven