Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and despite progress in reducing heart disease and stroke nationwide, generations of structural barriers have left many Black communities facing a higher burden of cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. [1] These disparities contribute to higher death rates and lower survival during cardiac emergencies, according to the American Heart Association.
For American Heart Month and Black History Month in February, the American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, is calling for renewed action to close these gaps through expanded CPR education and advocacy. "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives," underscores a truth we can all act on today: when an emergency strikes, the first actions taken by family, friends, co-workers and bystanders can make all the difference.
Data from the Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update highlights the persistent burden of disproportions for the Black population:[2]
- Nearly 6 in 10 Black adults aged 20 and older live with some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke or hypertension.
- Stroke prevalence remains highest among Black women and men.
- Black adults experience some of the highest hypertension rates in the world, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.
- Black adults account for more than half of heart failure hospitalizations among Americans under age 50.
"The science is clear: Black communities continue to face disproportionate risks of heart disease and stroke," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health and senior vice president of women's health at Northwell Health in New York City. "But data alone won't drive change. Progress happens when we work hand in hand with communities to address root causes, expand access to care and ensure more people are prepared to save a life when every second counts."
Everyone has a role to play. This month, the Association is bringing that message to living rooms, congregations, classrooms and neighborhood gathering places through culturally responsive outreach and training. Individuals can join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by watching a 90-second Hands-Only CPR video, practicing the two key steps and looking for the nearest AED in the places you live, learn, work and pray. Help ensure more people are prepared to act as the first responder until professional help arrives.
Closing the gap in cardiovascular health requires both lifesaving readiness and long-term solutions. With volunteers, clinicians, faith leaders and local organizations, the Association collaborates to develop culturally relevant solutions including initiatives such as the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™, the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge, the American Heart Association Scholars Program, Well-Being Works Better™ and the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, which supports community-based organizations advancing equitable health for all. These efforts build on programs that channel resources to local changemakers and create sustainable impact across neighborhoods.
As the American Heart Association celebrates Black History Month, it is also recognizing Black innovators who are advancing cardiovascular health today. Among those the organization is spotlighting are Fredrick Robinson, founder of the , a nonprofit empowering communities to take charge of their health through education and health screenings; Kwamane Liddell, a nurse and lawyer who founded a health technology platform that makes preventive care resources accessible to everyone; and William "BJ" Hicks, the American Heart Association's 2025 Physician of the Year, a neurologist specializing in stroke treatment, prevention and research bringing mobile stroke care to his hometown in Columbus, Ohio. Their stories reflect a shared belief: when communities are trusted, resourced and seen, healthier futures follow. "In a cardiac emergency, the first few minutes belong to the people nearby, not the hospital," said Dr. Hicks. "Black Americans are more likely to have their heart suddenly stop and less likely to receive lifesaving CPR or AED help. That's why expanding Hands-Only CPR and AED awareness in Black communities is urgent. When more families, neighbors and faith communities are trained and confident to act, more lives can be saved."
