FEBRUARY SPECIAL FEATURE
Honoring Black History
Through Health Equity
“Helping You Navigate to Your Right Health and Care”
Black History Month invites us to celebrate achievements while also acknowledging disparities that still exist. Cardiovascular disease disproportionately impacts Black adults, often because of systemic barriers such as limited access to care, higher stress loads, and fewer preventive resources. Addressing these gaps is one way we honor community strength and legacy.
Organizations like the Association of Black Cardiologists work specifically to improve heart health outcomes in Black communities through education, outreach, and advocacy: https://abcardio.org
By centering equity in our outreach, we make heart health more accessible for everyone.
How ECIAAA Supports Heart-Healthy Aging Locally
At ECIAAA, heart health is woven into many of the everyday services we provide:
- Nutrition programs that deliver balanced, heart-healthy meals
- Caregiver support and respite services to reduce stress and burnout
- Transportation assistance for doctor visits and screenings
- Wellness education workshops on chronic disease prevention
- Benefits counseling and care coordination to connect older adults with medical and community resources
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can guide you through options that fit your needs. You can reach us here: https://www.eciaaa.org
Additional support is also available through:
- Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine – connects older adults to services statewide: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/resources/helpline-main.html
- Eldercare Locator – a national tool to find local aging resources: https://eldercare.acl.gov
Simple Steps to Take This Month
In honor of both observances, consider:
- Checking your blood pressure or cholesterol
- Taking a 15–30 minute daily walk
- Cooking one heart-healthy meal each week
- Talking with family about heart disease history
- Connecting with ECIAAA or another resource if you need help accessing care
Every Heart Counts
American Heart Month reminds us to protect our physical health. Black History Month reminds us to do so with intention, equity, and respect for every community we serve. When we combine awareness with action and trusted partnerships, we strengthen not only individual hearts, but the heart of East Central Illinois as a whole. If you or someone you love needs support, ECIAAA is here to help you take the next step toward healthier aging.
A free copy can be downloaded at
https://glaucoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-grf-ug-booklet-06-15-24.pdf
ECIAAA serves Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermilion counties.