Church leaders recognized for service at Health for Hearts events

Three local health leaders were recognized for their leadership at the Health for Hearts United Leadership Institute, an annual event for local churches from Gadsden and Leon counties.

Awardees receiving Leadership Awards include Arrie Battle, Executive Director of Mother Care Network, Inc.; Roosevelt Rogers III, Senior Pastor of Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Havana; and Sterling Dupont, St. James AME Church in Quincy.

Each was recognized for service, commitment and leadership in developing and sustaining the Health for Hearts United Collaborative, comprised of over 45 churches that have trained health ministries to reduce risk of heart disease and strokes in their congregations and more broadly in the local communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Americans. However, among certain populations— such as African Americans — there are higher rates compared to other groups.

This health disparity in CVD is a particular problem in North Florida which has some of the highest rates in the state. And of major concern is the extent of the linkage between heart disease, other underlying conditions and COVID-19.

To address this problem and other health issues, the Health for Hearts United Leadership Institute is held annually to grow knowledge and build capacity in church representatives.

This year, the theme was “Empowering Churches for Health” and included sessions on New Concerns Regarding Cardiovascular Disease, emphasizing diabetes and dental health; Hot Topics including RSV, COVID and weight drugs; and Building Intentionality and Accountability in Church-based Health. Speakers included Dr. Shamarial Roberson, Dr. Otis Kirksey, Dr. Christopher Laing, Dr. Celeste Brickler-Hart, Bishop Joseph Henderson and Pastor Roosevelt Rogers.

The Leadership Institute evolved out of over 15 years of work by Florida State University along with collaborators from Florida A&M University and the University of Georgia. Currently, Health for Hearts United is funded by a grant award from the National Institutes of Health.

For more information about Health for Hearts United, contact Dr. Penny Ralston at 850-841-0407 or pralston@fsu.edu.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Church leaders recognized for service at Health for Hearts event