Dear Closing the Health Gap Community:



Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but it’s also a reminder to take care of the most vital symbol of love—our hearts. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and Black Americans face disproportionately high rates of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. Nearly 60% of Black adults live with some form of CVD, putting our communities at greater risk. This Valentine’s Day, let’s commit to heart health—through education, prevention, and action. Together, we can close the gap and build healthier futures for all. Your heart deserves the love, too!

Have a safe and blessed week ahead!

Renee Mahaffey Harris

President & CEO

Rising Breast Cancer Rates Show Disparities Across Racial, Ethnic Groups in the US

Although overall incidence rates of breast cancer continue to rise annually, the increase is disproportionately higher among Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Asian or Pacific Islander women, a new study has found. Additionally, distinct patterns were found in aggressive subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly among older Hispanic, Asian, and Black women. These findings highlight the need for targeted research to understand the underlying drivers of these disparities and inform public health strategies.

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Heart disease disproportionately impacts women of color the most

Four years ago, Noni Banks went to the emergency room and received news she never saw coming. 

“When I got there, they came back pretty quick and said, you know, your heart is operating at 20%," she said. “I was completely in shock. I was relatively healthy. I had no idea that I was in heart failure."

Leading up to her diagnosis, she was experiencing symptoms without realizing it and was even misdiagnosed because doctors didn’t expect someone like Banks to be in heart failure. “I was not expecting this to be happening to me in my 40s," she said. "A lot of the doctors who had come in, they were shocked. 'You're so young,' and I'm thinking, 'I know like, why am I even here?'”

Unfortunately, Banks isn’t the only woman who has experienced this. According to Cleveland Clinic, 47% of Black adults have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease compared with the 36% of white adults. This could be because of various health disparities that impact marginalized communities the most. Cardiologist Dr. Amrita Karve says these health disparities are historical. 

“Part of it is, you know, that they have historically been underserved, and there aren't enough doctors in those areas, too. It's also access to some of the resources. They have increased food insecurity and other such problems that come along with the socio-economic difficulties that they face," Karve said.

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Cardiovascular health risks continue to grow within Black communities, action needed

The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update reports that while progress has been made in reducing cardiovascular and cerebral health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension. These gaps subsequently contribute to equally disproportionate high death rates, underscoring the urgent need for lifesaving intervention. As part of its nationwide Heart Month and Black History Month activations, the American Heart Association -- devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all -- is highlighting the need to close the survival gap through continued education, advocacy and Hands-Only CPR training. The American Heart Association’s goal: ensuring all people, especially those at greatest risk, have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.



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American Heart Association highlights cardiovascular health disparities in Black communities

The American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update reports that while progress has been made in reducing cardiovascular and cerebral health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension. These gaps subsequently contribute to equally disproportionate high death rates, underscoring the urgent need for lifesaving intervention. As part of its nationwide Heart Month and Black History Month activations, the American Heart Association -- devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all -- is highlighting the need to close the survival gap through continued education, advocacy and Hands-Only CPR training. The American Heart Association's goal: ensuring all people, especially those at greatest risk, have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

Click here for the full story.

Enquirer: A guide to Black History Month events in (and around) Cincinnati

February is Black History Month, a great opportunity to celebrate African American culture, from inspirational and thought-provoking to educational and fun.

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