Why Is this study being conducted?

• Louisiana has a high burden of cardiovascular disease, especially in the African American community.
• The overall goal of CHERISH is to implement the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in the African American community to help eliminate cardiovascular health disparities.
• We plan to utilize Community Health workers in African American Churches in New Orleans and Bogalusa to lead health related community programs.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it is preventable with changes to lifestyle, stress management, and proper medical treatment.

• Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of different conditions
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart Failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Peripheral Artery Disease

  Ways to prevent cardiovascular disease.

  • Healthy Diet
  • Exercising Regularly
  • Regular Health Care
  • Reduce Blood Pressure, Glucose, and Cholesterol
  • Quitting Smoking
  • Increasing Social Support

  CHERISH Planning Phase Goals

  • Collaborate with church leaders, community members, and healthcare organizations who are interested in decreasing cardiovascular disease in Louisiana’s African American community.
  • Learn more about the barriers to making healthier lifestyle choices and accessing health care services.
  • Understand what things can be done to overcome these barriers.
  • Develop church-based health programs which can improve cardiovascular health in African Americans.
  • Build a long-lasting partnership with the community so together we can help make Louisiana a healthier place to live and work.