PHILADELPHIA, September 26, 2024 – The Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH), powered by Bank of America and together with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and University of Michigan School of Public Health, recently hosted its inaugural Advocacy Day at City Hall.
The CFEH facilitated meetings with Philadelphia City Council Members to address the impacts of maternal health, nutrition insecurity, and historic neighborhood disinvestment on health equity in Philadelphia. The event brought together residents, community leaders, organizers, healthcare organizations, and community-based organizations to advocate for a healthier and more equitable Philadelphia.
Council Member Kendra Brooks highlighted the importance of collective efforts, stating, “The health of our city is important, and having collaborative conversations, connecting one another to resources, and aligning goals are the steps that make a difference.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Philadelphia, with the city experiencing higher rates of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and stroke than the national average. The American Heart Association has been selected to spearhead this initiative locally through the Collaboration, aiming to create a lasting impact and foster a healthier future for Philadelphia residents.
“As we enter our third year of the Collaboration initiative, and the second year of its implementation, we are reminded of the critical need for these efforts. Philadelphia is one of 11 cities chosen for this initiative due to significant gaps in health equity and the urgent need to improve health outcomes related to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, executive director, American Heart Association of Greater Philadelphia. “Our goal is clear: we want to create a healthier future for the residents of Philadelphia.”
Advocacy Day at City Hall was the culmination of extensive work and conversations with advocate pillar partners, including Maternity Care Coalition, North10, and The Food Trust, as well as feedback from four Advocacy Community Forums facilitated by the CFEH. Utilizing a place-based approach, the Association, together with a network of healthcare organizations, community partners, and stakeholders, focused on three key priorities: access, activation, and advocacy.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH):
The CFEH is an initiative that focuses on the leading causes of death in communities of color – heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. The American Heart Association®, the American Diabetes Association®, the American Cancer Society® and the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in conjunction with local community-based organizations and healthcare organizations, collaborate in these efforts with the goal of improving health outcomes more broadly. The Collaboration is driven by three pillars of action – Access, Activate and Advocate.
For Media Inquiries
Trish Bradley: trish.bradley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
